The Federal Aviation Administration has introduced new airfield surveillance systems that aim to reduce the risk of runway incidents by enhancing the situational awareness of air traffic controllers. This new technology is set to be operational at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport starting June 30. Austin airport will be one of four airports in the nation to implement this new system.
The new systems will provide air traffic controllers with a display of surface traffic at airports that do not previously have a surface surveillance tool. Icons representing aircraft and ADS-B equipped vehicles will be visible on an airport map showing runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other areas. This new system will improve safety by providing controllers with a better understanding of the movements on the airfield.
As the summer travel season approaches, the FAA expects it to be the busiest in nearly 15 years. In response to this increase in air travel, the FAA has put multiple layers of safety measures in place to safeguard travelers. The introduction of this new airfield surveillance system is seen as an additional safety measure to ensure the protection of passengers.
May 2024 marked the busiest month ever in terms of passenger traffic at AUS, with almost 2.07 million passengers passing through the airport. This milestone came as a result of increasing air travel demand, with only five other months in history having seen more than 2 million passengers. The new airfield surveillance system at Austin airport is part of the continued efforts to manage the growing number of travelers efficiently and safely.