Don Beyer Demands Suspension of FAA AI Air Traffic System

The Federal Aviation Administration launched the AI-driven Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories (SMART) system on September 21, 2026, at Ronald Reagan National, Dulles International, and Baltimore/Washington International airports. The system uses predictive analysis and real-time data to suggest flight path adjustments to manage congestion and weather disruptions. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated the technology improves decision-making, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that humans will maintain ultimate control of the airspace.

Representative Don Beyer demanded the immediate suspension of the system, alleging that the FAA is using his constituents as guinea pigs for an unproven technology. Beyer claimed that air traffic controllers received no prior training and were not consulted on the design, adding that airlines are privately panicking over the hasty implementation. He is calling for independently verified stress testing and the incorporation of human operator feedback before the rollout continues.

The 90-day trial occurs as President Donald Trump rejects calls to slow AI development, characterizing such warnings as a hoax. While Duffy argued the system would slash delays and lower travel prices, Beyer warned that rushing a system responsible for human lives is an inappropriate use of artificial intelligence.