U.S. Federal Aviation Administration sent this bulletin at 06/25/2026 03:18 PM EDT
Week of June 22, 2026
Big Upgrades in the Big Easy
As part of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s effort to build a brand new air traffic control system, air traffic controllers at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) are receiving a new Surface Movement Radar (SMR). SMRs are the radar backbone for the Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X). This critical safety system enables air traffic controllers to track aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways and alert them to potential conflicts.
“The team at MSY is excited about the new SMR-4 system and the enhanced coverage it will provide across the airport,”said Darryl Phillips, MSY Air Traffic Manager.“The upgraded system will improve situational awareness and operational efficiency, supporting safe and effective full air traffic services.”
MSY is the third airport to receive this key piece of safety technology after Houston (IAH) and San Diego (SAN). SMR will be operational at MSY later this summer. Check out Secretary Duffy’s X post to see how different radar upgrades across the country are making a difference.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced that the FAA has awarded a contract to Air Space Intelligence for two cutting-edge technologies that will improve how flights are scheduled and managed throughout the National Airspace System.
The Flow Management Data and Services (FMDS) will be the new technological backbone of the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center. It balances air traffic demand with capacity and provides the data that underpins traffic management. Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART), an enhancement within FMDS, will use that data to prevent congestion and delays by strategically coordinating schedules and trajectories before aircraft depart. Together, these technologies will reduce delays, improve traffic flow and increase airspace capacity.
FIFA World Cup No Drone Zones
As soccer balls continue to soar, the FAA wants to remind World Cup fans to keep their drones grounded around all matches and fan fests. Since June 11, the federal government has seized more than 300 drones. Drone operators violating World Cup Temporary Flight Restrictions could face up to $100,000 in fines, drone confiscation and federal criminal charges. For more information, visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 webpage.
Our guest Weather Squad forecaster this week is Megan Parry with ABC10 out of San Diego. Megan is forecasting hot temperatures in Phoenix and Las Vegas while the Central U.S. will continue to see severe weather. Keep an eye out for storms at those World Cup games in Dallas and Kansas City.
