ATC News

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

High activity

FAA grounds U.S. flights nationwide after air traffic control communications outage; nearly 7,000 flights delayed or canceled

The FAA ordered a nationwide ground stop after communications problems affected regional air traffic control centers, citing safety and extraordinary circumstances. Aircraft already airborne could land, but those on the ground could not depart; FlightAware reported nearly 7,000 delays or cancellations. The FBI was reported to be examining whether a software update caused the outage.

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA proposes expanding KDJT Class C airspace to reduce midair collision risk

The FAA has proposed expanding the vertical limits of the airspace around KDJT and extending Class C coverage over the airport’s main arrival and departure corridors. The change is intended to reduce the risk of midair collisions.

Ars Technica

FAA expands AI congestion-management advice across US airspace

The FAA is expanding an AI tool that offers advice for managing air traffic congestion across the entire US airspace. Airlines have praised the system, but the air traffic controllers’ union was not involved, leaving a notable gap in stakeholder participation as the agency broadens its reach.

Politico

High activity

Duffy and White House prepare lobbying push for $30B air traffic control overhaul

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the White House are preparing a lobbying effort for a $30 billion request to overhaul the nation’s aging air traffic control system. The article identifies the funding push, but does not specify its timing, financing mechanism or proposed modernization schedule.

AeroTime

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.

airwaysmag.com

FAA Expands SMART Traffic Planning to All 22 Centers, Keeping Human Review in the Loop

The FAA is expanding its SMART traffic-planning system to all 22 air traffic control centers. Recommendations will remain subject to human review, while reported early savings are limited in scope—leaving the program’s broader operational impact unclear from the available figures.

Bloomberg

UK air traffic control apologizes for September glitches that disrupted about 2,200 flights

The head of the company managing the UK’s air traffic control system apologized for two September glitches that led airlines to cancel about 2,200 flights and delay dozens more. The company said the issues have been fixed.

Bloomberg

UK Air Traffic Control Apologizes for Outages, Says Issues Fixed