FAA Expands Runway Safety Technology Across 74 Airports by 2026

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to enhance runway safety by deploying the Runway Incursion Device (RID) at 74 air traffic control towers across the United States by the end of 2026. RID acts as a memory aid for controllers, indicating runway occupancy and improving situational awareness, capable of monitoring up to eight runways simultaneously. Currently operational at four airports, the system will expand to three more in the coming month, with further installations planned nationwide. The RID is part of a broader surface safety technology initiative that includes the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) and the Approach Runway Verification (ARV) system, designed to mitigate runway incursions. The FAA emphasizes that these advancements are critical for modernizing air traffic control systems and enhancing overall safety in U.S. aviation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is also expected to announce a comprehensive overhaul of the air traffic control system in the near future.