FAA begins replacing legacy controller systems across 435 sites

The US air traffic control system relies in 1980s floppy discs

Image: Primary

Published Saturday, November 14, 2026 · 4:07 PM EST

The FAA is replacing legacy air traffic control information systems across 435 sites with a platform intended to consolidate weather and operational data by the end of 2028, New Atlas reported. The Enterprise - Information Display System replaces four systems that rely on floppy disks for vital information. The modernization replaces manual data transfers with digital streams, IP voice switches and fiber-optic lines. A separate AI-assisted platform, SMART, analyzes flight and weather data to predict airspace congestion. The integration challenge became visible on November 13, when departures across the US were temporarily grounded. The FAA attributed the disruption to new equipment overwhelming aging analog communications infrastructure.

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New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News

Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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