Find free MSFS 2020 and 2024 airport scenery, choose compatible packages, install them on PC and fix Community-folder problems.
You can download freeware airport scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator from Fly Away Simulation’s MSFS scenery library, covering individual airports, grass strips and regional packs for MSFS 2020 and 2024. Search by ICAO code, then verify simulator support, dependencies and installation instructions; web-downloaded Community packages are for PC, not consoles.
Where should I search for freeware MSFS airports?
Start with our freeware MSFS scenery library, searching by the airport’s identifier, name and location. Downloads may be described as an airport, airfield, aerodrome, enhancement, makeover or regional scenery pack, so one search term may not find every option.
- Search the ICAO code first. It is usually more precise than a city name. For smaller US fields, also try the FAA or local identifier.
- Try the airport name and nearby town. This can uncover packages using an older identifier or included within a regional collection.
- Add the simulator generation. Search for
MSFS 2020orMSFS 2024when results cover several Flight Simulator versions. - Open the download page. Never choose from the title or thumbnail alone; read the compatibility, dependency and installation details.
If you want recommendations rather than one particular location, begin with our shortlist of notable free airport upgrades.
How do I choose the right airport scenery package?
Choose scenery that matches the exact airport, simulator generation, required dependencies and installation method used by your setup.
| Check | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Simulator support | Look for an explicit MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 or dual-compatibility statement. FSX, FS2004 and Prepar3D scenery cannot simply be placed in MSFS. |
| Airport identity | Compare the ICAO code, country and runway layout. Airports can share similar names or change identifiers. |
| Coverage | Determine whether it rebuilds the entire airport, changes only buildings or markings, adds nearby landmarks, or modifies several airfields and surrounding terrain. |
| Dependencies | Check for required object libraries, World Updates or companion packages. Missing dependencies can leave terminals, lights and other objects invisible. |
| Documentation | Useful screenshots show aprons, taxiways, buildings and night lighting. The description should state what changed and explain any optional folders. |
| Storage and performance | Do not judge quality by file size. A small package can make accurate layout corrections, while aerial imagery and large textures consume more storage and may affect performance. |
A detailed page such as this Paris–Le Bourget package listing shows the information to look for: simulator compatibility, file details, stated features and installation guidance.
Avoid installing two replacements for the same airport unless their authors explicitly confirm compatibility. Competing packages, including a freeware replacement and an installed handcrafted airport, can cause duplicated terminals, overlapping taxiways, sunken aprons and misplaced windsocks. See our guidance on using multiple airport scenery add-ons before combining packages that cover the same area.
Does MSFS 2020 airport scenery work in MSFS 2024?
Some MSFS 2020 airport packages work in MSFS 2024, but support should not be assumed. Prefer scenery explicitly labelled for MSFS 2024; otherwise install the older package by itself and inspect it for missing materials, broken jetways, duplicated buildings, elevation faults and misplaced objects.
How do I install downloaded airport scenery?
On PC, most freeware airports are installed by extracting the actual package folder into the active simulator’s Community folder.
- Close Microsoft Flight Simulator. Community packages are normally detected when the simulator starts.
- Extract the archive. Do not put the original ZIP, RAR or other compressed file in Community unless the author specifically requires it.
- Read the included instructions. Check dependencies, optional folders, installers and version-specific notes before copying anything.
- Find the package root. A conventional package has files such as
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonnear the top level of its main folder. - Copy that folder into Community. MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 use separate package locations, which also vary by PC installation method or a custom packages path. Never install freeware in the Official folder.
- Restart the simulator and inspect the airport. Check parking positions, buildings, taxiways and runway alignment before beginning a normal flight.
A mistake we see constantly is an extra folder level created during extraction. If the structure is Community/download-name/airport-package/manifest.json, the folder containing manifest.json is usually the one that belongs directly inside Community.
Xbox Series X|S editions and MSFS 2024 on PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro cannot sideload ordinary ZIP downloads or PC Community packages. Console users must obtain scenery through the simulator’s supported in-simulator content system.
Why does downloaded airport scenery not appear?
An airport usually fails to appear because the package remains compressed, is nested too deeply, sits in the wrong Community folder, lacks a dependency or has been disabled by Safe Mode.
- No visible change: confirm the airport identifier, restart the simulator and verify that you used the Community folder belonging to the active MSFS installation. Safe Mode disables community content.
- Pink or missing objects: install every dependency named by the author and make sure all parts of a multi-file package were extracted.
- Duplicate buildings or terrain faults: remove other packages covering the airport, restart MSFS and test the new scenery alone.
- Problems only in MSFS 2024: remove the unconfirmed MSFS 2020 package and use a version explicitly declared compatible with MSFS 2024.
- Airport missing from the World Map: search by every known ICAO or local identifier; some packages retain an older code after an airport is renamed.
- Default airport also absent: check installed simulator content and World Map filters, because the failure may not be caused by the freeware package.