What is the best AI traffic injector for MSFS 2020?
For most Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 users, FSLTL is the best AI traffic injector: it is free, includes a large set of matched aircraft models and liveries, and injects live traffic with useful controls. Choose FS Traffic instead if you prefer scheduled offline traffic and a paid, self-contained package.
Which MSFS 2020 traffic injector should you choose?
FSLTL is our default recommendation, but the right choice depends on whether you value live movements, offline schedules or detailed control over models and flight plans.
| Traffic injector | Best for | Main advantage | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSLTL | Most MSFS 2020 users | Free live traffic with included models and liveries | Busy hubs can be demanding on the main thread |
| FS Traffic | Offline scheduled traffic | Self-contained paid package with straightforward controls | Traffic follows stored schedules rather than a live feed |
| AIG | Enthusiasts wanting extensive control | Broad model, livery and flight-plan options | Installation and package management take more work |
Choose FSLTL if you want recognisable airlines operating around their real-world positions without buying a traffic package. Its two main components are the Base Models package and the Traffic Injector; both are required unless another injector is using the models.
Choose FS Traffic when an internet-dependent live feed is undesirable, or when predictable scheduled traffic matters more than matching real aircraft in the air. Choose AIG if assembling and maintaining a highly customised traffic library is part of the appeal rather than a chore.
How do you set up FSLTL in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
Install both FSLTL components, disable the simulator's competing traffic sources, and launch the injector after loading into the flight.
- Install the Base Models and Traffic Injector using the project's official installer. Confirm that both packages are associated with the active MSFS 2020 Community folder; our MSFS 2020 mod installation instructions explain how Community packages and custom locations work.
- Disable built-in AI or live traffic in the simulator's Traffic options. Running Microsoft live traffic beside FSLTL creates duplicate aircraft and competing AI instructions.
- Set Ground Aircraft Density to zero initially. Otherwise, MSFS fills stands with generic static aircraft before the injector adds parked traffic.
- Turn off generic AI aircraft models so installed traffic models and liveries are used wherever a suitable match exists.
- Load at an airport and start the injector. Allow time for nearby flights and parked aircraft to appear; injection is not always instantaneous.
- Tune the traffic limits rather than immediately using the highest values. Start with a modest number of active IFR aircraft and increase it only if frame time remains stable.
Why does an AI traffic injector reduce frame rate?
Injected traffic consumes CPU time for flight modelling, taxi routing, lighting and ground operations, so the number of active aircraft matters more than the headline size of the model library.
If performance deteriorates at a large hub, reduce the maximum active IFR aircraft, injection radius and parked-aircraft count. Airport road traffic, service vehicles and workers also add load; lowering those settings often helps more than reducing texture quality.
A common mistake we see is increasing every traffic slider and then blaming aircraft models alone. Start with injected airborne traffic, add parked aircraft gradually, and keep the simulator's own Ground Aircraft Density at zero.
Why are there duplicate, generic or missing aircraft?
Duplicate aircraft normally mean that two traffic systems are running, while generic or missing aircraft usually indicate a model-matching or package problem.
- Duplicate flights: disable MSFS live traffic, offline AI traffic and any second injector.
- Generic models: verify that the FSLTL Base Models package is installed and active, then disable the simulator's generic AI model option.
- Incorrect liveries: the real flight may use an aircraft or operator absent from the model library, forcing the injector to select a fallback.
- Empty airport: check the internet connection, start the injector after the flight has loaded and confirm that its aircraft limits are not set too low.
- Aircraft stuck at gates: incompatible airport parking, taxiway data or MSFS AI behaviour can prevent a valid route to the runway.
If the live feed remains empty after checking the injector, our live traffic troubleshooting checklist covers online services, data settings and airport-specific causes.
Does FSLTL replace the simulator's ATC?
FSLTL injects aircraft; it does not replace Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020's air traffic control system.
The simulator can issue instructions to injected traffic, but sequencing, runway use and taxi behaviour still inherit MSFS AI limitations. If realistic controller interaction is the priority, use a traffic solution designed to integrate with the chosen ATC system rather than running two independent injectors.
For a free, practical improvement over default live traffic, FSLTL remains the strongest all-round choice. FS Traffic is the better fit for offline schedules, while AIG rewards users prepared to spend more time configuring their fleet.