FAA proposes $875 million AI system to ease air traffic congestion

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that it will pilot an artificial‑intelligence–based decision‑support system to manage air traffic over the Washington, D.C., region later this year, a step that precedes a planned nationwide rollout. The tool, developed in partnership with industry contractors and the FAA’s research arm, is designed to analyze real‑time flight data, weather inputs and runway capacity to generate optimized sequencing recommendations for controllers handling the nation’s most congested airspace.

During the trial, the AI system will operate alongside human controllers at the Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center, providing suggested adjustments to flight paths and timing while maintaining final authority with personnel. The agency expects the technology to reduce delays, improve fuel efficiency and enhance safety margins. If the pilot proves successful, the FAA intends to expand the system to other high‑traffic hubs and eventually integrate it across the national air traffic network by 2028.