# The FAA is finally ditching floppy disks

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-faa-is-finally-ditching-floppy-disks/
- Published: 2026-11-05T19:27:44+00:00
- Original publisher: The Verge
- Original article: https://www.theverge.com/transportation/1027511/faa-floppy-disks-sean-duffy-air-traffic-control-eids
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- The FAA is replacing floppy disks with a digital information system.
- E-IDS is targeted for 435 facilities by the end of 2028.
- Staffing shortages and ageing infrastructure remain wider challenges.

## Summary

The FAA plans to replace floppy disks and four other legacy systems with a digital information platform across more than 400 air traffic control facilities. The change could make it easier for controllers to access operational updates, but it addresses only one part of a wider modernisation challenge.

The Enterprise Information Display System will combine live weather alerts, equipment outages, airspace restrictions and pilot reports on a digital dashboard. Upgrades have begun at five sites, with rollout to 435 facilities targeted by the end of 2028; the FAA awarded the Leidos contract in 2020. A 2024 government report found 90 per cent of critical air traffic control infrastructure was due or overdue for upgrades, while staffing shortages and other systemic problems remain.

## Coverage

- [The Verge: The FAA is finally ditching floppy disks](https://www.theverge.com/transportation/1027511/faa-floppy-disks-sean-duffy-air-traffic-control-eids)
- [Engadget: The FAA is finally phasing out floppy disks from air traffic control](https://www.engadget.com/2308330/the-faa-is-finally-phasing-out-floppy-disks-from-air-traffic-control/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.