The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will install Runway Incursion Devices (RID) at 74 air traffic control towers by the end of 2026 as part of its accelerated efforts to reduce runway safety risks. The rollout follows a series of high-profile near-miss incidents and a broader push to modernize air traffic systems.
RID is a visual memory aid for controllers that indicates when a runway is occupied or closed. The system can track up to eight runways and replaces older alerting tools previously used at towers. It is already operational at four airports, with installations scheduled at 70 additional airports nationwide.
The initiative is part of the FAA’s fast-tracked surface safety portfolio launched after its 2023 Safety Call to Action. The Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI), which displays surface traffic at towers without dedicated ground radar, is now active at 18 airports and will expand to 32 more by the end of 2025. The Approach Runway Verification (ARV) system, which helps prevent wrong-surface landings, is in place at 85 towers.
The new systems aim to strengthen situational awareness for controllers working under strained conditions. The U.S. currently faces a shortfall of about 3,500 air traffic controllers, leading to overtime schedules and reduced operational flexibility at busy facilities.