A variable area nozzle system for a turbofan gas turbine engine comprises a fan duct inner wall, a fan duct outer wall and a fan nozzle. The fan duct outer wall is disposed in radially-spaced relation to the fan duct inner wall. The fan nozzle defines at least a portion of the fan duct outer wall and has a nozzle aft edge defining a fan duct throat area relative to the fan duct inner wall. The fan nozzle is configured to move outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis during axial aft translation thereof in order to vary the fan duct throat area.