The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented new airfield surveillance systems to enhance air traffic controllers’ situational awareness and reduce the risk of runway incidents. This new technology is set to be operational at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport beginning on June 30.
According to the FAA, Austin airport will be one of four airports in the nation to utilize these new systems. The system will display surface traffic to controllers at airports that currently do not have a surface surveillance tool. Aircraft and ADS-B equipped vehicles will be depicted as icons on an airport map showing runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other areas.
With the upcoming busy summer travel season, the FAA aims to ensure the safety of travelers by implementing multiple layers of safety measures. The new airfield surveillance system is seen as another layer of protection for passengers.
In May 2024, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experienced its busiest month ever in terms of passenger traffic, with almost 2.07 million passengers passing through the airport. This marks a significant milestone as only five other months have seen more than 2 million passengers at the airport.