FAA Chief Says 313 Air Traffic Sites Still Run On Old Compaq Systems
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said on May 29, 2026 that 313 FAA facilities remain "essentially running off Compaq computers", creating efficiency and reliability risks though the system remains safe.[1]
He said many of the sites still rely on floppy disks and compact discs for software updates and operation.[1] Bedford warned the 1970s- and 1980s-era machines present a "real reliability risk" while insisting air traffic control is safe but inefficient.[1]
TSA screened more than 18.4 million travelers over the Memorial Day travel week, and airlines expect to fly about 263 million passengers between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026.[1]
Bedford said the system is safe but inefficient as the agency faces a busy summer travel season.[1]
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š Key Facts
- On May 29, 2026, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said 313 FAA facilities are 'essentially running off Compaq computers' using floppy disks and compact discs.
- Bedford said there are 'real reliability risk' and efficiency issues due to 1970sā80s-era computing hardware, though he maintained the system is safe.
- TSA screened more than 18.4 million travelers over the Memorial Day travel week, and airlines expect to fly about 263 million passengers between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026.
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