A new AI-supported air traffic system was rolled out to all of FAA’s control centers three days before an extremely rare ground stop halted planes across the US Friday, according to the agency.
The new technology — known as Strategic Management of Airspace or “SMART” — was expanded to 22 air route traffic control centers across the country Tuesday, according to the Washington Times.
The tool merges about 200 “data streams” — focused on flight paths, schedules, weather and other factors — onto a single platform to anticipate airspace constraints and other issues, the outlet reported.
Planes sitting on the tarmac at Chicago O’Hare International Airport during the groundstop order on Nov. 13, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
A flight map on Nov. 13 before the ground stop. Flight Radar
Passengers check departure boards at Logan International Airport in East Boston, Mass., on Nov. 13, 2026, during an FAA national ground stop. REUTERSThe FAA announced the nationwide ground stop at 4 p.m. Friday due to “extraordinary circumstances” and did not immediately link the travel disturbance to the new system.
The stoppage was potentially caused by an upgrade to new software, a source told The Post.
