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.