There seems to be consistent miscommunication on this recurring topic.
Naysayers point out the limitations of conventional computer technology - quite right too. With modern computers it won't happen. But I speculate that the computer of 2062 will be unrecognisable to us today.
Yaysayers point out the benefits of computerisation. Yes, those benefits will be offset by accidents that are "preventable" by human standards. But I wonder how many accidents that happen today, would not happen if a sophisticated AI had been in charge? That's not a question anyone can answer today, because the AI in question won't be developed for many years.
So ATC are going to "command" a runway or intersection change - who vets the command to see if the aircraft is capable of executing a take-off from the new location?
Which part of a runway performance calculation is un-computable? Yes, there is some subjectivity, but I suggest very little in a highly SOP-driven airline.
How would a handful of supervisors perform if presented with a mass turnback from the Atlantic tracks, cf. 9/11
How about by pressing the big red button labelled "land immediately at nearest suitable airport" such as Boeing is developing now? Coupled of course with the big red button in small airport control towers labelled "I'm full up, don't accept any more automatic aeroplanes". (I note that "developing" doesn't mean "will be achieved soon".)
I don't mean to imply that this will happen soon, or even that it will definitely happen. It's all speculation. But given computer advances, I think many of the objections will simply cease to be relevant in future.
Cheers to all our grandchildren!