Lawmakers Urge FAA to Pause AI Air Traffic Control System

Twenty-five U.S. lawmakers have called on the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation to pause the use of the AI-based SMART air traffic control system. The group, led by Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), sent a letter dated October 9 to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy demanding a halt until officials provide more operational details.

The lawmakers stated they are "deeply concerned about the integration of any AI-enabled system into air traffic control systems, where decisions are literally a matter of life or death." They cited an "egregious lack of transparency regarding SMART's testing, integration into air traffic control, and potential impact on safety." The Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories system, built by Boston-based Air Space Intelligence under an $875 million, 12-year contract awarded in June, is already in limited use.

Concerns over deployment process and safety readiness

Lawmakers have raised multiple red flags about how SMART was introduced. They said they have not seen any safety evaluation or testing reports for the system. They also stated they are unaware of any efforts to train frontline aviation safety personnel, specifically the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), on its use. Several sources told lawmakers that frontline workers had zero or very limited notice of the rollout.

Accountability is a major concern. The lawmakers questioned who would be held responsible if SMART contributes to an unsafe situation. They asked which officials approved the rollout and whether any established safety review requirements were waived to meet a September deployment deadline. The letter also highlights the existing strain on the system, noting a longstanding ATC shortage that forces controllers to work demanding hours. Lawmakers cited research showing overworked people tend to rely too heavily on automated recommendations.

Current status and planned expansion of SMART

Despite the concerns, SMART is already operational. The system began operating on September 21 in the National Capital Region, making automated recommendations to controllers managing airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National (KDCA), Baltimore/Washington International (KBWI), and Washington Dulles International (KIAD) airports. This initial deployment is understood to be part of a 90-day evaluation period.

Plans exist for a gradual national expansion. Secretary Duffy said in August that the FAA would fully deploy SMART by spring 2027, intending to slow-roll different aspects rather than introduce them all at once. The DOT has touted SMART as a big change, synthesizing hundreds of data streams-including weather, flight paths, and staffing levels-to provide visualization and recommendations aimed at reducing disruptions. Controllers can accept or decline its suggestions, which are reviewed by FAA staff first.

Lawmakers, however, have questioned why the complex National Capital Region was chosen for the initial rollout, citing the fatal January 2025 midair collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and a passenger jet as a particular concern for deploying new technology there.

Stakeholder perspectives and unresolved questions

Perspectives on the system's readiness are mixed. While airlines have said they were involved in SMART's development and rollout, some reportedly held concerns until just weeks before the September deployment. A few airlines told Politico that SMART is not yet mature enough to achieve the DOT's vision of transforming air traffic management.

The lack of consultation extends beyond controllers. Lawmakers noted an apparent lack of discussion with airlines and airport authorities before the system went live. They have demanded to know how stakeholders like NATCA were consulted and trained. Also, they want details on whether SMART was tested against severe weather, equipment failures, and other real-world disruptions.

FAA response deadline and next steps

The FAA faces a tight deadline to address these mounting questions. Lawmakers have given Administrator Bedford and Secretary Duffy until October 19 to provide a comprehensive response. The letter seeks specific details on the safety assessments carried out before deployment, how the FAA will assess SMART during its 90-day trial, and the criteria for deciding on a broader national expansion.

The DOT's announcement positions SMART as an enabler of fewer disruptions and more predictable operations. Yet, with the evaluation period ongoing and a response deadline looming, the system's future integration hinges on the FAA's ability to satisfy lawmakers' demands for transparency and demonstrated safety. The FAA must respond to the lawmakers' letter by October 19 regarding the SMART system's safety assessments, consultation, and expansion plans.