Why Some Flights Are Missing on Flight Trackers
You search a flight, it is supposed to be in the air, and the map shows nothing. It's frustrating, especially when you are waiting for someone. In almost every case one of these reasons explains it.
1. The flight hasn't taken off yet
A flight appears once the plane is moving with its transponder on. Before pushback, there is nothing to track. Delays mean "scheduled departure" and "actual departure" can be an hour or more apart, so try again a little later.
2. No receiver can hear it
Live tracking depends on receivers on the ground (read what ADS-B is). Over areas with few receivers, a plane can vanish and then reappear further along its route. It hasn't gone anywhere: it's simply out of earshot.
3. The callsign is different from the flight number
Your ticket says EK623, but the plane may broadcast a slightly different callsign. See flight number vs callsign. Try opening the destination airport and looking at the Arrivals list instead.
4. The flight number was searched with the wrong airline code
Some airlines have codes that start with a number, such as 9P for Fly Jinnah. Type it exactly as on the ticket, like 9P846.
5. The plane is very old, private or military
Older aircraft without ADS-B, some private jets whose owners asked to be hidden, and most military flights don't show up or show up without a callsign.
6. Your screen is showing a different area
The map loads planes in the area you are looking at. If you have zoomed far out on a phone, fly24 shows a sample of planes to stay fast. Search the flight or zoom in on the region and it will appear.
Still not there?
Check the airline's own website or app for the official status, especially for delays and cancellations. Live trackers show where planes are; the airline knows why.