Live · ADS-B open data
Live Flight Tracker
Watch aircraft over the UK and Ireland in real time — callsign, altitude, and ground speed for every visible flight, from open transponder data.
FlightLogic's free flight tracker shows live aircraft over the UK and Ireland on an interactive map, using open ADS-B transponder data from the OpenSky Network. Click any aircraft for its callsign, altitude, and speed — no account or app needed. The map loads only when you ask, keeping the page fast.
How to read the map
Each marker is a live aircraft, rotated to its heading. Click one for its callsign, altitude, and ground speed. Airline callsigns use the operator's three-letter ICAO code — BAW is British Airways ("Speedbird"), VIR Virgin Atlantic, RYR Ryanair, EZY easyJet, UAE Emirates. Match any carrier in our airline directory, or check facilities before pickup with our airport guides.
Flight tracker FAQs
How does live flight tracking work?
Almost every airliner broadcasts its position, altitude, and speed via an ADS-B transponder. Networks of ground receivers — including the community-run OpenSky Network this page uses — collect those broadcasts and share them, letting maps plot aircraft in near real time (typically a few seconds' delay).
How do I track a specific flight to see if it is delayed?
For a specific arrival or departure, the airline's own app and the airport's live boards are the authoritative sources — link through our airport guides at /airports for every major hub. This map is best for watching live traffic over the UK; airline callsigns shown here (like BAW123) map to flight numbers (BA123).
Why can't I see a particular aircraft on the map?
Coverage depends on volunteer ground receivers, so low-altitude aircraft in remote areas can drop out. Some military, private, and blocked aircraft do not appear in open data at all. Position updates can also lag by several seconds.
Is my flight delayed if it shows a late departure on the tracker?
Not necessarily — aircraft often make up time en route. If your arrival does land 3+ hours late, UK261 compensation of £220–£520 may apply when the cause was within the airline's control. Our flight delay compensation guide at /guides/uk261-flight-delay-compensation-uk explains eligibility and how to claim for free.
Live positions courtesy of the OpenSky Network research project · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open data can lag or drop aircraft — never use this page for operational decisions.