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

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to phase out the use of 3.5-inch floppy disks in its air traffic control operations. The agency aims to replace four legacy systems dating back to the 1980s with the Enterprise – Information Display System (E-IDS) across 435 sites by the end of 2028.

The current outdated technology is used to manage critical information, including weather updates, equipment issues, and pilot reports. The transition to E-IDS, a modern digital dashboard, is intended to allow controllers to share flight alerts and restricted airspace schedules instantly, improving safety and operational efficiency.

The modernization effort follows a $12.5 billion funding allocation from Congress to upgrade the nation’s aging air traffic infrastructure. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the rollout represents a move toward 21st-century technology, replacing manual processes that have long been flagged as obsolete by the Government Accountability Office.