Flightradar24 primarily sources its data from a combination of three main systems, creating a comprehensive and real-time picture of global air traffic. Here’s a breakdown:
This is the core of Flightradar24’s network and where its community of volunteers plays a huge role. How it works: Every modern aircraft is equipped with an ADS-B transponder. It automatically and continuously broadcasts a “squitter” of data including: position (from GPS), altitude, speed, unique ICAO 24-bit aircraft registration code, and flight number. How Flightradar24 captures it: They operate the world’s largest network of ADS-B ground receivers. These are small, low-cost receivers (often Raspberry Pi-based) operated by thousands of volunteer enthusiasts around the globe. These feeders send data to Flightradar24’s servers in real time. In remote areas or over oceans where ground coverage is poor, they also use satellite-based ADS-B receivers to fill the gaps.
Not all aircraft are equipped with ADS-B (especially older general aviation planes, some military aircraft, or in regions with delayed mandates). How it works: MLAT calculates an aircraft’s position by using the time difference of arrival of its signal (usually from its older Mode A/C/S transponder) at multiple (at least four) receiver stations. It’s a form of triangulation. Requirement: This only works in areas with dense receiver