US air traffic control enters the 21st century, starts to abandon floppy disks

The Federal Aviation Administration still uses computers that require floppy disks. But those are finally on the way out within the next few years.

Yes, it’s still 2026, and yes, you read that right: The FAA – the agency responsible for overseeing aviation safety in the US – is finally getting rid of four systems dating back to the 1980s that remain in use at more than 400 facilities around the country, the agency announced on Thursday.

“Good news America: floppy disks are out, 21st century tech is in,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in the FAA’s announcement. Only a few decades late, Sean, but we’re sure the flying public appreciates it.

The new system, known as Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS), is designed to consolidate data from various systems into a common digital platform, allowing air traffic controllers to access operational information and alerts needed to manage flights.

E-IDS is replacing four legacy systems: Information Display System 4, used …