The Federal Aviation Administration expanded a nationwide artificial intelligence air-traffic system just three days before it ordered a rare US-wide ground stop, prompting scrutiny over the timing of the two events.
The FAA announced on Tuesday that its $875 million SMART system was being extended to all 22 air traffic control centres. The agency said the technology was intended to reduce delays, cut fuel consumption and make flights run more smoothly.
On Friday, however, the FAA halted departures nationwide, causing disruption at airports and leaving travellers stranded while the cause of the shutdown was investigated.
The rollout had already raised concerns among air traffic controllers. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it had not been involved in designing or testing SMART.
The FAA maintains that the system only recommends flight routes and that final decisions remain with human controllers. There is currently no evidence linking SMART to the nationwide ground stop.
