FAA to phase out floppy disks in air traffic control systems by 2028

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a modernization initiative to eliminate the use of 3.5-inch floppy disks across its national air traffic control network. The program aims to replace outdated infrastructure at 435 facilities by the end of 2028.

According to Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the new Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS) will replace four legacy systems that date back to the 1980s. The digital platform will consolidate critical data, including weather reports, equipment status, and airspace restrictions, into a unified interface, replacing manual processes that relied on physical media.

Initial deployment has begun at five locations, including data centers in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The project is supported by a $12.5 billion congressional allocation, with further funding requests currently under review to ensure the long-term resilience and security of national aviation infrastructure.