Disable default AI traffic in FS2004 without removing add-on aircraft. Use the traffic sliders or safely rename the stock traffic BGL.
To disable default AI traffic in FS2004 while keeping add-on traffic, close the simulator and rename Scenery\World\scenery\traffic030528.bgl so it no longer ends in .bgl. To suppress every AI aircraft instead, set all aircraft traffic-density controls to zero. Keep the original file as a backup.
Which method should I use?
Use the traffic settings when you want to hide all scheduled AI, or disable the stock traffic BGL when third-party traffic should remain active.
| Goal | Method | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Disable all scheduled AI traffic | Set every aircraft traffic-density control to 0% | Suppresses default and add-on AI without changing files |
| Disable only default FS2004 traffic | Rename traffic030528.bgl | Removes stock flights while retaining separately installed traffic |
How do I disable only the stock FS2004 traffic?
Renaming the default traffic file is the cleanest way to remove stock airline and general-aviation schedules without deleting them.
- Close FS2004 completely. Traffic files are loaded when the simulator starts, so changing one while FS2004 is running will not reliably update the flight schedules.
- Open the active FS2004 installation. Use the folder containing
fs9.exe, especially if you have more than one installation. - Go to the traffic folder. Open
Scenery\World\sceneryand locatetraffic030528.bgl. - Make file extensions visible. The final extension must be shown in Windows Explorer. A mistake we see constantly is changing only the visible name while the hidden
.bglextension remains active. - Rename the file safely. Change it to
traffic030528.bgl.disabled, or move it to a backup folder outside every enabled scenery area. Do not delete it. - Restart FS2004 and check the airport. Stock AI should disappear. Add-on traffic will remain if it uses separate traffic BGLs and the simulator's traffic-density controls are above zero.
To understand how schedules, aircraft folders and traffic BGLs work together, see our explanation of installing and managing add-on AI traffic in FS2004.
How do I turn off every AI aircraft?
Set all aircraft traffic-density controls to 0% in FS2004's display or traffic settings.
This is the quickest reversible option and a useful diagnostic when low frame rates, stutters or airport congestion may be traffic-related. It also suppresses third-party schedules, so it is not the right choice when you want replacement AI to remain visible.
Static aircraft built into airport scenery are scenery objects rather than scheduled AI. They will remain even with the traffic controls at zero.
Why is AI traffic still visible after disabling the default file?
Remaining aircraft usually come from another traffic BGL, an incorrectly renamed stock file or static airport scenery.
- Check the real extension: the disabled file must not end in
.bgl. A name such astraffic030528.disabled.bglis still active. - Look for separate add-on schedules: third-party packages normally install their own traffic BGL files, sometimes in another enabled scenery area.
- Check for a duplicate: copying the default BGL into another active scenery folder leaves the duplicate schedule running.
- Distinguish AI from static models: parked aircraft that never move, contact ATC or follow a schedule may be part of the airport scenery.
- Restart the simulator: returning to the main menu is not always enough after changing traffic files.
Disable suspected add-on traffic files one at a time and preserve their original names. Our systematic FS2004 AI traffic checks cover missing models, inactive schedules and conflicting traffic files.
Will disabling stock traffic affect ATC or airports?
Removing the stock traffic BGL does not remove airports, parking positions, navigation facilities or ATC services for your aircraft.
It does remove the default AI flights and their associated radio calls. Separately installed traffic should continue operating, provided its aircraft and schedule files are intact and traffic density is not zero. If you are replacing the stock schedules, our World-of-AI traffic package collection provides third-party airline traffic options.
How do I restore the default AI traffic?
Close FS2004, rename the backup to exactly traffic030528.bgl, then restart the simulator with traffic density above zero.
If the file was moved, return it to Scenery\World\scenery. Avoid leaving a second copy in another active scenery area, as duplicate schedules can produce excess traffic and overlapping aircraft.