Flightradar24
Flightradar24 is a real-time flight tracking service that provides detailed information about aircraft positions, flight numbers, origins, destinations, historical data, and aircraft information.
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Flightradar24 is a real-time flight tracking service that provides detailed information about aircraft positions, flight numbers, origins, destinations, historical data, and aircraft information.
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Flightradar24 is a real-time global flight tracking service. It provides detailed information about aircraft position, flight number, and oftentimes flight origin and destination. It also includes details on the type of aircraft. It provides both real-time flight tracking and historical flight information.
Flightradar24 data can be used for open-source investigations, including but not limited to:
support real-time news analysis, such as in the case of ;
monitor the movement of as potential illicit assets;
probe/scrutinize transit/travel patterns of (see examples , and );
Flightradar24 can also be used for geolocation and verification (an example will be provided below).
Flightradar24‘s flight information comes from several data sources. One category of data called “positional data” triangulates the aircraft's position in the sky. This includes sources In addition to positional data, Flightradar24 also uses flight status and flight schedule data from . The platform uses data through the for drones, gliders, and small aircraft.
On the filter section of the website, the tool can filter for approximately 12 aircraft categories. They are: Passenger, Cargo, Military and government, Business jets, General aviation, Helicopter, lighter-than-air, Gliders, Drones, Ground vehicles, "Other", and Non-categorized.
When doing flight tracking for investigations, it is essential to know what data to look for and which information can potentially provide leads. In flight-tracking, researchers usually pay attention to “Identifiers.”
Flight-tracking websites have a plethora of information available. However, depending on the research question, researchers generally pay attention to call signs, registration, serial numbers, and hex codes.
Where can I find the call sign on Flightradar24?
For live flights:
Depending on your settings, call signs can be seen when you hover your cursor over a plane of interest in the live map. The combination of numbers and letters that appear is usually the call sign. Users can find additional details when clicking on the aircraft.
For completed/historical flights:
Determine the aircraft by either flight number, flight route, or other identifiers, if known.
Go to the search bar and enter the search term. This will lead users to a list of past and future-scheduled flights.
Select the date and time of interest, and click on the icon “PLAY” on the far right. This will take you to the details and stats associated with that particular flight.
Scroll down until you see the following image below.
Where can I find the registration number on Flightradar24?
For live flights
Just like call signs, registration information is available by clicking on an aircraft of interest on the live map. This will provide a detailed window to the left, showing additional information. The registration number can be found just below the aircraft type.
For historical flights
Follow the same steps shown above for searching call signs for historical flights. Begin with entering the flight in question on the search bar. The registration is located on the far right, just below the aircraft type and the aircraft photo.
Where can I find the hex code on Flightradar24?
On Flightradar24, the hex code is referred to as either “ICAO 24-Bit Address” or “”Mode-S”. And you can find it in several places depending on where you are accessing the aircraft information on the website.
For live flights
Users can search the live map for the aircraft of interest. Hover and click over that aircraft, and an information box will appear on the left. Scroll further down to and find “ICAO 24-Bit Address”.
For historical flights
If available, use the registration number to search for the flight of interest in the search bar. This will lead users to a list of past and future-scheduled flights.
Click the choice under “aircraft”. This will take you to a separate page containing the flight history of the aircraft of interest.
Look for the word “Mode-S” to get the hex code (Refer to the image below)
Where can I find the MSN/Serial Number on Flightradar24?
For live flights
Just like call signs, registration information is available by clicking on an aircraft of interest on the live map. This will provide a detailed window to the left, showing additional information. Scroll further; the serial number is below the registration information (see IMAGE 2 above).
For historical flights
Follow the same steps as shown above for searching for call signs for historical flights. Begin with entering the flight in question in the search bar. The serial number is located on the gray box, far right, just below the registration information (see IMAGE 3 above).
Flightradar24’s landing page prominently features its Live Map, providing users with immediate access to the real-time aircraft status in the air. The flight filter settings are accessible from the main page, allowing users to customize their view and quickly find relevant information.
The Live Map on Flightradar24 is also customizable, allowing users to add widgets for quick access to important information. These widgets can display data such as weather conditions, statistics (e.g., the number of data sources feeding flight information), and the most tracked live flights. Additionally, users can create personalized widgets to bookmark and monitor specific aircraft, flights, airports, or locations of interest. Open source investigators can use those features to track relevant flight data, monitor specific patterns, and quickly access real-time information critical for their analysis.
Map Layers and Aeronautical Charts
Users can customize the map layers on Flightradar24's Live Map, allowing for the overlay of various data sets.
The search bar is immediately accessible on the tool's landing page. Flightradar24’s search function has features designed to help users quickly find information on a platform that contains a lot of information. Note that search results usually show both live flights and flights that are completed or recently scheduled. Here is an overview of the search feature, which includes input and output (this list is not exhaustive).
NOTE: Based on our own tests, the search bar takes most of the input explained below, except for Serial Number.
INPUT:
The search is designed to run several keyword variations. Users can enter the ICAO Airport Code and the IATA Airport Code. Users can enter two airport codes separated by a dash.
Example: “AMS - LHR” to refer to the flight route from Amsterdam Schipol to Heathrow Airport.
OUTPUT:
This search will show all the live flights as well as recent and scheduled flights.
INPUT:
If the airport code is unknown, simply type the location or the airport name.
Example: “London”
OUTPUT:
Putting a location or airport name will provide a list of possible airport locations.
OPEN each tab to get more detailed information on how to create custom filters.
Flightradar24 has enhanced its aircraft filtering capabilities. You can now precisely filter flights by their exact ICAO code.
For example: Searching for "A320" will only display Airbus A320 models.
To view a family of aircraft, use a wildcard symbol.
For example: "B737*" will show all Boeing 737 variants. Additionally, you can filter for multiple aircraft types by separating them with commas.
This refined filtering system allows for more accurate and tailored flight tracking.
Example: If a user is tracking an aircraft with registration/tail number OO-TMS, users can find that exact photo on Jetphotos' database by using the registration number/tail number as the search term.
Flightradar24's playback feature is like a time machine for aviation. Flightradar24's playback feature allows users to rewind time and analyze historical flight data. This tool can be invaluable for investigative purposes, as it enables researchers to:
(a) Investigate Past Events: Examine air traffic patterns during specific incidents or events. (b) Verify/Cross-Check Claims: Cross-reference historical flight data with other information to confirm or refute claims. (c) Seeing Trends: Study trends by analyzing past flight patterns.
The playback feature is available on the live map (landing page) and users can see the replay of many flights simultaneously. It is also available for individual flights.
TIP: Add a filter or your own custom filter and use the playback feature for a more granular search. For example: Use the business jet category filter and hit the playback button to see a replay of all business jets travelling in a specific area during a specific time frame.
For individual flights, the playback feature is accessible by first searching the flight of interest. And then scrolling through the past scheduled flights. Select the time and date of interest and click on “Play” (the farthest icon to the right).
In addition, users can also download a .CSV containing raw flight data for analysis.
To do this, enter the known flight info on the search bar and click on the flight number/call sign/route.
Scroll down and click on “Flight Info”.
You will be taken to a different page containing the flight log. Scroll down to the list of recently scheduled flights, choose the date and time of interest.
Navigate to the right where you have the option to download the data in KML or CSV format or do a playback.
Flight tracking websites like Flightradar24 can be valuable resources for investigative journalism and open-source research:
1. Database Creation:
This data can be used to create open-source flight databases for countries requiring continuous monitoring.
2. Monitoring Authoritarian Regimes:
They can alert the public when these planes land in specific locations (e.g., Twitter/X alerts for major European cities).
3. Investigating Aircraft Ownership and Movement:
Identification: Determine which planes are owned or regularly used by individuals of interest.
Tracking: Follow flight histories or pinpoint the current whereabouts of these aircraft.
Challenges and Workarounds:
The version tested for this toolkit description is the Gold Subscription.
While the tool is straightforward to use, the difficulty rating is based on the additional time it may take for beginner users to familiarize themselves with aviation related terms and concepts. The platform also contains a plethora of data, and finding which information is important may require additional time.
Modern web browser
Registered account (e-mail address)
Flightradar24 Mobile App and Precise Location Data Leak
Be aware of the risks of disclosing your location data using the app. Use precaution if possible.
Coverage: Not Everywhere, Every Time
Flightradar24 is a great tool for tracking flights, but it's important to know it doesn't see everything, everywhere. Here's what can affect coverage:
Map Gaps
Blocking / “take down requests”
Based on our own tests, some of the instances where blocking might potentially happen are as follows. There are instances where:
Aircraft Identity is hidden: The specific aircraft model and registration number might be obscured, showing only the general aircraft type (e.g., Boeing 737).
Flight Path is partially hidden: The origin and registration number might be visible, but the destination or specific route may be blocked.
Sometimes, the platform puts N/A instead of providing information.
Some Limitations on Filter Combinations:
While combining filters may sometimes be helpful, there are some combinations that provide results that are confusing. It is important to note that combining these two filters has some limitations. Based on our tests, combining the filter “military and governments” plus a custom airport filter for “Venezuela” and “Colombia” gave mixed results. Instead of filtering for only military/government aircraft in those countries, the results included passenger flights, private/small aircraft, and possibly others.
To isolate a specific category of aircraft within a location of interest, it is recommended to zoom in instead on the area of interest, then apply a specific aircraft filter. We were able to tailor the search results by zooming in on Venezuela and Colombia and applying the “military and government” filter subsequently. The results seem to show only one category of aircraft within a specific geographic region.
6. Accuracy of estimates
7. Incorrect flight route
Privacy vs. Transparency:
Context matters:
Consider the purpose behind using flight tracking data when publishing. Not all uses of aviation tracking serve the same ethical goals or carry the same implications. For instance, when flight tracking data is used to cover major events such as accidents or disasters, it provides factual context for the public's understanding of the event. Flight tracking data used in research regarding air traffic patterns, for example, or in monitoring environmental impact of the aviation industry, represents different ethical considerations than tracking specific individuals' movements. The ethical decision making around flight data publication and how to publish this data should take into consideration the intended audience, potential harm, if any, and whether or not there are alternative data sources available for your investigation.
Respect Copyright:
While both Flightradar24 and FlightAware offer similar core functionality, open source investigators may prefer to use Flightradar24 for a more extended flight history, a playback function, the ability to track more specialized aircraft, and comprehensive international flight data. However, FlightAware may have some advantages for US-focused flight tracking.
Based on our tests, below is a comparison of some of the features of different flight tracking tools.
Data Sources
Filtering by Aircraft Categories
More extensive: Passenger, cargo, military/government, business jets, general aviation, helicopter, lighter-than-air, gliders, drones, ground vehicles, other
Filtering Capabilities
Limited filtering options; difficult to focus on particular aircraft or routes
Advanced custom filters by aircraft type (ICAO code), airport, country, and route combinations
Historical Data
Export Options
KML files for flight logs
Both KML and CSV export options
Aircraft Photos
Shows similar aircraft types (e.g., any Boeing 777)
Integrates with JetPhotos to show the exact aircraft being tracked
Military Aircraft
Limited tracking capabilities for military/government aircraft
Dedicated military and government category filter
Playback Feature
No playback option for reviewing past flight activity
Robust playback feature for historical analysis
Visualization
Can experience visual crowding; icons may not reflect actual aircraft types
More customizable visualization with widgets for weather, statistics, and personalized tracking
Privacy/Blocked Data
Ownership Information
Primarily displays US registration numbers
Broader international registration coverage
Map Customization
Limited customization options
Highly customizable map layers and widgets
UI Learning Curve
Moderate (★★★)
Moderate (★★★)
Cost Structure
Basic (Free), Premium, Enterprise, Enterprise WX
Basic (Free), Silver, Gold, Business
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Bellingcat Guide:
GIJN Guide:
OCCRP Guide:
Flightradar24 AB, Sweden
Afton
What is it? They are unique identifiers of an aircraft. They help differentiate each aircraft in the sky from one another. According to this Bellingcat, private aircraft often use their registration number as their call sign. In contrast, commercial flights usually have call signs based on their specific routes.
According to this GIJN, “The call sign is more or less whatever the pilot decided to enter for that flight.” Commercial flights, on the other hand, will be the flight number or close to it, like DAL307 for Delta Airlines flight 307 from Honolulu to Minneapolis.
Call signs also often vary with each flight, and occasionally, they may change even while in the air. For instance, an aircraft might have different call signs throughout the day if it completes several trips,.
What is it? This number appears on the aircraft's exterior, mostly near This is sometimes called a It is a unique number that tells you which country the aircraft. This specifies that an aircraft's registration is similar to a car's license plate, assigned when registered in a specific country. This registration reflects the jurisdiction of the aircraft according to this.
1: (Ultimate Beneficial Owner - the person who profits or benefits from a corporate entity). It is rarely an individual but a company, trust, or charter/leasing company. In these cases, use additional sources to link different pieces of information.
2: Aircraft registration can change,
What is it? This code serves as a digital identifier or a unique “digital fingerprint”, allowing air traffic control, anti-collision systems, and flight tracking systems to distinguish one aircraft from another. When the plane is registered, it gets a unique electronic code. This hex code is associated with the plane’s ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), which broadcasts unencrypted data about the plane’s position, altitude, and speed. If the N-number is the physical identifier, like a car license plate, the hex code is its digital non-physical identifier.
According to document, ICAO assigns each country a block range of hex codes. So in theory, if the flight tracking website sees a hex code in this range, it will identify the aircraft as coming from that country, and, as in the case of FlightAware, display.
Connection to Country of Registration: Hex codes can sometimes be necessary to find leads about which country a plane is registered in. n. Therefore, it may sometimes be possible to determine ownership if that information is available.
Vulnerability to Manipulation: According to, “most flight tracking websites link the transponder codes to registration numbers to make sense of tracking data,” especially since aircraft do not usually broadcast registration numbers over their ADS-B transponder. A junk hex code can then broadcast unreliable and misleading data to flight tracking sites.
Some Military Logistics Aircraft With No Tail Numbers: In some cases, military aircraft such as the The hex code can come in handy when analyzing movements from this type of aircraft.
What is it? A serial number is a unique code given to an aircraft by the manufacturer to identify it from other planes. It's like a fingerprint for that specific aircraft designated at the time of manufacture or Serial numbers never change, unlike call signs and registration numbers. It is mandated by law (see, section 14.13) to collectively ensure that aircraft can be monitored, maintained, and operated safely throughout their service life.
Why is it important? states that “If you’re trying to track a plane over multiple years and ownership changes, you’ll need to know the manufacturer’s serial number.” Because an aircraft’s serial numbers don’t change, you can follow its journey. This makes it helpful in tracking a plane over time between.
For a more detailed guide to its search features, refer to:
In addition to filtering by aircraft category, users can create their own custom filters tailored to their research purpose.
Another helpful feature in this tool is its photo database through When viewing an aircraft's details on Flightradar24, users often see photos sourced from Jetphotos. Jetphotos links back to Flightradar24 for detailed tracking data about photographed aircraft.
This integration provides a visual representation of the tracked aircraft, enhancing the user experience. More importantly, the photos shown are those of the actual plane being tracked live in the sky and not a similar aircraft type, like on . This is especially helpful if researchers are interested in making a visual match to the information they have.
Jetphotos and Flightradar24 are distinct platforms with complementary purposes, but they share a close relationship due to their focus on aviation and.
Historical data available for playback are as follows: ; includes playback feature for historical analysis.
For flights that have already landed, Flightradar24 allows users to download a KML file of the flight log. This will contain all the coordinates of its flight path, the altitude, and other information that helps users visualize flight information. Based on our test, this raw data can then be imported on , , or ArcGIS Earth.
Using a KML file of a flight log overlaid over Google Earth Pro can sometimes help with geolocation tasks. See this by Nixintel for a demonstration of this use case.
Example: Bellingcat's databases for and .
Tools like specialize in monitoring the flight paths of authoritarian regimes' aircraft.
Investigators like those at :
Ownership Obfuscation: Figuring out real ownership can be .
Flight tracking as a tool to generate leads: According to , while ownership is sometimes hidden, flight tracking data is largely publicly available, and monitoring aircraft movements can sometimes provide valuable clues to fill in the gaps of an investigation.
The tiered paid accounts are: Basic Free, Silver, Gold, Business, the price and feature differences are found here:
Investigations by revealed thatthat transmit their users' to data brokers. These precise coordinates may provide sensitive personal information on a user's home or work address
Aircraft Equipment: Not all planes have compatible transponders, the devices that talk to Flightradar24. So, .
Altitude and Terrain: Planes flying high or in areas with lots of mountains .
Location: Flightradar24 , especially around major airports in Africa (Chad, Congo, Egypt, etc) or countries like China, Iran, Iraq, and Libya.
Flightradar24's coverage is. Geopolitical tensions, like the Ukraine conflict, can lead to airspace closures, affecting flight routes. Geographical factors, such as high altitudes in Tibet, also restrict flight paths. Not all aircraft have the necessary equipment for tracking, and some regions have limited coverage. Additionally, airlines prioritize safety and efficiency, sometimes opting for longer routes to avoid risky areas.
Flightradar24 from operators or owners. According to : “Information about a small number of flights may be limited or blocked based on requests from owners or operators via third-party services…”. This also means that high-profile aircraft in the military and government categories will not be visible.
Flightradar24 can estimate the position of aircraft that are out of coverage for a limited time. This is done by using various parameters, but the accuracy can decrease for flights that fly over longer distances (the position can be shown ). The estimated positions are visually represented by a black trail on the map.
Flightradar24 uses flight schedules to determine the route an aircraft is taking. However, this can sometimes lead to inaccuracies. For example, if a, the displayed path might not match the actual flight path. Additionally, errors in flight schedules or incorrect or old call signs can also cause route information to be incorrect. Other causes are: - which is when there is an error in one of the scheduling databases Flightradar24 depends on. In addition, significant flight delays can cause it to be matched with the wrong schedule.
The ethical dilemma here revolves around the conflict between public transparency and individual privacy. Make careful determinations about how to publish research that involves tracking patterns of individuals. This, for example, highlights the tension between the right to information and the potential consequences of exposing individuals to danger.
Flight tracking websites often have terms of service regarding data usage. Ensure you're using the information ethically and keep the website's guidelines in mind. Flightradar24's terms of service can be found .
• Air traffic control systems in 45+ countries • • Link which is a text messaging system between pilot and air traffic control• Commercial data providers• Flight schedules from airlines• Federal Aviation Authrority (FAA) data feeds (for US airspace) •
• • • • Radar data• North American/Australian radar data• for gliders/small aircraft• Airline and airport schedules
Commercial, business, cargo, general aviation, ("medical evacuation" flights)
(See list of flight types under and filtering options)
(See list of flight types under , and click the filter icon)
; ; includes playback feature for historical analysis
Partial obscuring of flight information (may hide registration but show aircraft type, or show origin but block destination) or
( )
()
Fiorella, Giancarlo, (2019, October 15). , Bellingcat.
RC and Fiorella, Giancarlo (2021, March 11). , Bellingcat.
Global Investigative Journalism Network. (n.d.). .
Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2023, (2023, October 7). Video on .
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (2022, May 21). Russian Asset Tracker.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) which can help researchers decipher airline codes on particular call signs.
Nixintel (2019, October 30). .
Benjamin Strick. (Youtube video).
Benjamin Strick. Who Made The Man in The Desert? or
Al Jazeera Guide:.
Full list of country identifiers:
Some lists of public registries:,, and,,
Photos:,
Twitter hashtags:,,,, and.
This tool is often used with: , , social media accounts of known flight enthusiasts and professionals. This tool is also used in conjunction with ADS-B Exchange, , Planes.live, JetPhotos, Airframes.
