Last Updated on November 6, 2026 12:21 pm
The Federal Aviation Administration says it will finally retire the floppy disks still used at air traffic control facilities across the country, with replacements installed by the end of 2028.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Thursday that the FAA is replacing the outdated disks, which hold weather and other critical information, at more than 400 facilities.
“Good news America: floppy disks are out, 21st century tech is in,” Duffy said.
Four systems dating to the 1980s will be replaced by the Enterprise Information Display System, or E-IDS, a single, secure digital display system that gives controllers faster access to the information they need.
The first five sites to receive upgrades are Atlantic City International Airport, Nashville International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, and data processing hubs in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The FAA plans to install E-IDS at 435 sites, with installation complete by the end of 2028.
“E-IDS gives air traffic controllers the information they need to make timely decisions and keep the flying public safe,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.
The move is part of a larger effort to modernize the nation’s aging air traffic control system. Reuters reported that Congress approved $12.5 billion last year for the work and that Duffy is seeking another $30 billion for upgrades.
