US FAA to eliminate floppy disks from air traffic control by 2028
The US federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is finally moving to retire floppy disks from its air traffic control infrastructure, with plans to to replace four decades-old information systems across 435 facilities by the end of 2028.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to retire floppy disks from its air traffic control systems by the end of 2028, replacing outdated technology with a modern centralized platform. Announced on November 5, 2026, the new Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS) aims to provide controllers with faster access to critical information such as weather reports, flight alerts, and operational updates.
The E-IDS will replace four legacy systems dating back to the 1980s, offering controllers a single, unified display for real-time information. Initial implementation will include five airports, with the system potentially expanding to 453 sites by the end of 2028. The shift away from floppy disks and outdated systems is driven by the need to improve efficiency, safety, and interoperability within air traffic control networks.
The FAA's move to retire floppy disks marks a significant step towards modernizing its infrastructure, which has faced challenges in maintaining and integrating legacy systems.
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