Air Traffic Control Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management

FAA deploys digital towers and expands AI-assisted traffic planning to all 22 en route centers

The FAA is deploying its first digital air traffic control towers at U.S. airports, using cameras, sensors and displays to give controllers a continuous 360-degree view. Separately, it is expanding its SMART planning tool to all 22 en route centers despite calls to pause its Washington-area rollout.

Discovered 2026-11-11T08:04:47.252365-08:00 | 2026-11-11T08:04:47.252365-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Digital towers use cameras, sensors and displays to give controllers a continuous 360-degree view of runways, taxiways and surrounding airspace, bringing a new operating model into U.S. airport control.
SMART’s expansion to all 22 en route centers broadens the reach of AI-assisted traffic planning amid scrutiny of its Washington-area rollout. Its recommendations remain subject to human review.

Reported By

AeroTime AviationPros