Flightradar24
flightradar24.com
Real-time global flight tracking showing the position, altitude, speed, and route of aircraft worldwide using ADS-B transponder data.
Flightradar24 shows live air traffic on a map. Each aircraft appears as a moving icon, and clicking one reveals its flight number, route, aircraft type, altitude and speed. It also lists airport arrivals and departures and lets you replay past flights.
Positions come from a network of ground receivers, so coverage depends on where receivers are, and some areas, oceans in particular, have gaps. The basic map is free, and paid plans add things like longer flight history and extra layers. It is popular with aviation fans, travellers checking delays and anyone curious about the planes overhead.
Why it is useful
The most complete and reliable free flight tracking tool available, covering over 180,000 flights daily with live position updates every few seconds. For understanding air traffic patterns, following a specific flight, or investigating aviation incidents, it is significantly more detailed than airline apps. The historical playback feature allows you to replay any flight from the past.
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