Planes crisscross the sky every few seconds, proof of how hectic the aviation industry is! If you’ve ever asked yourself how many airplanes are in the air right now as you read this, just keep scrolling; we’re about to give you the answer!
In this article:
How Many Airplanes Are In The Sky Right Now?
According to recent estimates of Travel + Leisure, about 7,782 to 8,755 commercial planes are flying in the sky at any second.
It was a different story seven years ago, though. In 2017, trusted sources like FlightAware reported approximately 9,728 commercial planes flying at any moment. Of course, this number varies every few minutes as planes constantly take off and land.
However, significantly fewer flights have been noted since the pandemic began and through 2021-2022. Katheleen Bangs, FlightAware’s spokesperson, confirmed this period has decreased by about 10,000 – 20,000 flights per day compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Seasonal trends also play a role here. Bangs notes that summer is often the busiest due to increased leisure travel demand, while January is the quietest month for traveling in the U.S.
Still, it’s important to note that commercial flights make up only about 46% of all flights (2021). Other types, such as private, cargo, and military jets, are much harder to track and calculate. If we count them in, the total number might rise to around 15,500 to 17,500 at any second!
How Can Companies Track These Flights?
Many flight-tracking firms use the ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) to monitor flights. How so?
Nowadays, most planes are compatible with the ADS-B transponders, which automatically send data like speed, location, and altitude to aerial traffic controllers. Flight-tracking businesses then use that published data to update their respective systems!
FlightAware is among the common examples. It operates a network of roughly 34,000 ground-based ADS-B receivers worldwide – along with satellite receivers in orbit. Katheleen Bangs explains that this setup allows them to track planes anywhere globally, even in remote areas like vast deserts, oceans, or the south and north poles.
Some people express concern about privacy (especially regarding high-profile aviation), but measures are in place to handle the issue.
Some private aircraft (such as those used by major corporations, politicians, or celebrities) and military flights often opt to ‘block out’ their registration or tail number from public view. Though tracking apps can still monitor these flights, they only disclose the relevant data if specifically requested by government agencies like the NTSB or FAA.
A Closer Look Into How Flight Radar Works
1. Where Did Its Data Come From?
Back then, aircraft radars were primarily used for professional tasks. For instance, air traffic controllers used the data for civil aviation, while military personnel relied on flight radar to ensure smooth flight operations.
However, as air travel became more important to society over time, so did the need for radar systems to track increasing numbers of planes. For that reason, radar technology has since advanced significantly in many parts of the world.
With the advent of the World Wide Web, anyone can now easily access data about flight/plane connections from almost anywhere. Still, since these radar systems only cover certain parts of the airspace, connecting and sharing compatible information is extremely crucial during emergencies or urgent situations.
2. Here’s How It Works
The website’s map is more than enough to activate aircraft radar.
It displays flight activities in surrounding areas, and you can click on their symbols to gather more details about specific planes, including the aircraft type, arrival and departure times, and destination. Tracking the plane’s route from its latest takeoff to the present is also feasible, which makes this radar system very user-friendly.
To find information about one particular aircraft, simply enter its flight number into a search box and start your tracking. This map will then pinpoint the exact current location of the plane, along with all other information you need to know.
Can You Track These Planes From Your Own Home?
Yes, why not? Although many flight-tracking apps primarily serve aviation-related businesses (like airports and airlines) for flight monitoring, everyday consumers like you can also access their data. Some options, like Flightradar24, are much more popular among aviation enthusiasts than professionals; we’ll return to it later!
These apps are usually available in both paid and free versions (on mobile and desktop). Many even offer an AR (augmented reality) feature, where you can take photos of planes flying overhead to learn about their airline, destination, origin, flight number, and current altitude!
For iPhone users, identifying nearby planes is even more of a breeze. Just open your phone and ask, “Siri, what airplanes are flying overhead?” She’ll provide a list of aircraft around you without needing to download a tracker app.
Everything To Know About FlightRadar24, The Best Flight Tracker App
FlightRadar24 has gained massive popularity since its release for diverse features catering to frequent flyers, aviation fans, or anyone curious about current flights. Let’s have a look at some of its highlights:
1. Real-Time Flight Details Globally
The app provides an extensive global map interface to watch flights moving in real-time.
Each aircraft is represented by a small icon that shows its exact position on the map. The map is also highly detailed, featuring clear landmarks, geographical boundaries, and cities, which makes it very easy to locate and track specific flights or regions. Feel free to zoom in/out to get a closer look at each individual flight or to view larger flight patterns across continents and oceans.
2. See What Pilots See Through 3D View
Here’s your best chance to experience the flights through the pilot’s eyes!
Once you select a flight and switch to 3D views, you can see a simulated cockpit view — complete with a lifelike landscape, sky, weather conditions, etc. Every minute during the aircraft’s approach to landing, takeoff, and mid-flight views would feel extremely realistic as if you were sitting inside the cockpit.
3. Search For Particular Flights Using Flight Number, Airline, Route, Call Sign
Its search functionality is robust: you only need to enter a flight number, route details, call sign, or airline name, and the specific flights you want to spot will appear instantly on the interface. People worrying about the flights of their loved ones or wishing to monitor specific routes often turn to FlightRadar24 at these times.
4. Identify The Flights Currently Near You Using AR View
Let’s say there’s a plane flying over your head, and you want to know which flight it is. The solution is simple: just point your device’s camera at the sky!
FlightRadar24 will instantly overlay fight details on the camera’s view to show the aircraft’s number and destination. Thanks to this incredible feature, an afternoon sitting in the garden might turn out much more educational and fruitful than you’d think.
FAQs
1. Do Airplanes Fly 24 Hours A Day?
There are planes in the sky at any given minute/second, but that does not mean all airports operate 24/7. Sure, some larger airports may stay open around the clock to accommodate flight schedules, but most smaller airports have set operating hours.
2. How Many Aircraft Accidents Are There Per Year?
ACRO reports that since 2009, there have been fewer than 200 aircraft accidents each year – a significant improvement compared to earlier periods. Below is a closer look:
| Year | Number of aircraft incidents | Deaths |
| 1970 | 298 | 2,226 |
| 1971 | 271 | 2,228 |
| 1972 | 344 | 3,346 |
| 1973 | 333 | 2,814 |
| 1974 | 270 | 2,621 |
| 1975 | 316 | 1,856 |
| 1976 | 277 | 2,419 |
| 1977 | 340 | 2,449 |
| 1978 | 356 | 2,042 |
| 1979 | 328 | 2,511 |
| 1980 | 325 | 2,203 |
| 1981 | 272 | 1,506 |
| 1982 | 250 | 1,958 |
| 1983 | 238 | 1,921 |
| 1984 | 234 | 1,273 |
| 1985 | 261 | 2,968 |
| 1986 | 238 | 1,763 |
| 1987 | 277 | 2,064 |
| 1988 | 254 | 2,313 |
| 1989 | 265 | 2,507 |
| 1990 | 261 | 1,631 |
| 1991 | 240 | 1,957 |
| 1992 | 266 | 2,299 |
| 1993 | 275 | 1,760 |
| 1994 | 231 | 2,018 |
| 1995 | 266 | 1,828 |
| 1996 | 251 | 2,796 |
| 1997 | 232 | 1,768 |
| 1998 | 225 | 1,721 |
| 1999 | 221 | 1,150 |
| 2000 | 198 | 1,586 |
| 2001 | 210 | 1,539[a] |
| 2002 | 197 | 1,418 |
| 2003 | 201 | 1,233 |
| 2004 | 178 | 767 |
| 2005 | 194 | 1,463 |
| 2006 | 192 | 1,298 |
| 2007 | 169 | 981 |
| 2008 | 189 | 952 |
| 2009 | 163 | 1,108 |
| 2010 | 162 | 1,130 |
| 2011 | 154 | 828 |
| 2012 | 156 | 800 |
| 2013 | 138 | 459 |
| 2014 | 122 | 1,328 |
| 2015 | 123 | 898 |
| 2016 | 102 | 629 |
| 2017 | 101 | 399 |
| 2018 | 113 | 1,040 |
| 2019 | 125 | 578 |
| 2020 | 90 | 463 |
| 2021 | 113 | 414 |
| 2022 | 100 | 357 |
| 2023 | 82 | 229 |
3. Which Country Flies The Most?
The United States is still in first place according to 2021 data, followed closely by China and Russia.
| Country | Airline passengers |
| United States | 666,153,000 |
| China | 440,301,216 |
| Russia | 96,851,770 |
| India | 83,964,797 |
| Ireland | 74,065,210 |
| Turkey | 69,065,870 |
| Brazil | 61,896,520 |
| Mexico | 54,217,880 |
| Japan | 45,410,150 |
| Spain | 43,440,480 |
Conclusion
You have just learned the number of flights in the air right now.
Although it has significantly decreased compared to previous years, up to 8,755 flights is still quite an impressive number! Feel free to contact us if you want more clarifications or extra guidelines on using flight tracking apps.
