How Flightradar24 became aviation's most-watched screen as flights are disrupted

Flightradar24 aggregates ADS-B and satellite data for live tracking, flightradar24 aggregates signals from ground receivers and satellites to show live aircraft positions.

Receiver network operates about 58,000 ground receivers worldwide, the company maintains a global network of around 58,000 receivers, many hosted by volunteers.

Satellite provider provides data from 66 satellites to extend coverage, flightradar24 supplements ground receivers with purchased satellite data from a provider operating 66 satellites.

Flightradar24 database stores records for roughly 1.2 million aircraft, the platform holds a database of about 1.2 million aircraft with manufacturer, age and serial number details.

Airlines rerouted or cancelled flights in the Middle East region, during US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory attacks in February 2026, airlines imposed airspace restrictions and rerouted flights.