A framework for conflict resolution in air traffic management

We propose a distributed multi-agent framework for conflict free navigation in a discrete environment. The two-phased approach, which consists of a 'conflict-resolution' phase followed by an 'agent-accommodation' phase, guarantees maximal capacity utilization under guaranteed safety requirements. The methodology, which is motivated by the free-flight paradigm in air traffic management (ATM), is applicable to autonomous UAVs, various ground transport settings and, with suitable modifications, also to distributed ATM.