Tracker questions
Why Does an Aircraft Disappear From a Flight Tracker?
A missing aircraft marker does not automatically mean something is wrong with the aircraft. Public tracking depends on equipment, reception, processing, and provider display policies.
By TransitSatellite · Reviewed October 20, 2026
Ground reception has limits
Many ADS-B networks rely on ground receivers. Radio line of sight generally improves with aircraft altitude, while terrain and low altitude can make reception more difficult in some areas.
Not every aircraft is displayed the same way
Equipment configuration, aircraft operation, privacy programs, provider policies, and supplemental surveillance sources can affect whether and how an aircraft appears on a public service.
A stale marker needs a timestamp
When a tracker provides an update time, read it before assuming the marker represents the aircraft’s current position. A displayed point may be the most recent report available to that provider rather than a second-by-second position.
Common questions
Does a disappearing marker mean the plane lost GPS?
No. The public service may simply have lost access to a usable report or chosen not to display it. The aircraft can still have functioning navigation and communications.
Why are low-flying aircraft harder to see on some trackers?
Ground receiver line of sight can be more limited at lower altitude, especially around terrain or far from receiving sites.
Sources
Flight tracker search
Start with a flight number or route and open the current tracking source.
Search flightsTransportation globe
See the airport layer on the existing TransitSatellite 3D globe.
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