Download free airports for MSFS 2020, check compatibility, install them in the Community folder, and fix missing or conflicting scenery.
You can download free airports for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 from our MSFS scenery library, which covers major airports, regional fields and small airstrips worldwide. PC users install compatible packages in the Community folder. Xbox users cannot install downloaded third-party files, so they are limited to free airport content offered through the simulator’s Marketplace.
How do you find the right MSFS 2020 airport?
Searching by the airport’s four-letter ICAO code is the most reliable method because city and airport names can have several spellings. Search for the code, such as LFPB or KUNI, and then confirm that the download page explicitly mentions Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Our library includes packages such as free scenery for Paris–Le Bourget and the Ohio University Airport package. These illustrate the range available, from internationally recognised airports to smaller regional fields.
What should you check before downloading?
Choose an airport that supports MSFS 2020, matches the correct ICAO code and does not duplicate another add-on already installed for the same location.
- Simulator compatibility: A package labelled only for MSFS 2024 should not be assumed to work in MSFS 2020. Some scenery works in both, but the author or download page should confirm it.
- Required libraries: Read the description for dependency packs. Missing object libraries commonly produce empty aprons, absent terminals or placeholder objects.
- Airport scope: Some downloads replace the full airport, while others only adjust buildings, lighting, ground markings or surrounding scenery.
- Existing scenery: Avoid running two freeware, payware or Marketplace versions of the same airport together. Duplicate terminals, overlapping runways and broken terrain are typical conflict symptoms.
- Installation notes: Follow any package-specific instructions, especially when an archive contains several folders rather than one airport package.
How do you install freeware airports in MSFS 2020?
Most freeware airports are installed by extracting the downloaded archive and copying the actual package folder into the MSFS 2020 Community folder.
- Close Microsoft Flight Simulator. Installing or removing scenery while the simulator is running can prevent it from loading correctly.
- Extract the archive. Do not place the ZIP, RAR or 7Z file itself in the Community folder.
- Find the package root. The usable scenery folder commonly contains
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonnear its top level. Avoid leaving that folder buried inside an extra wrapper directory. - Copy every required package folder into
Community. Its exact location varies between Microsoft Store, Xbox app, Steam and custom data installations. - Restart the simulator and search the World Map using the airport’s ICAO code.
Our airport search and installation guide covers compatibility checks and Community-folder installation in more detail. To uninstall an airport, close the simulator and remove its package folder.
Can Xbox users install downloaded airport scenery?
Xbox Series X|S cannot load third-party airport files from a USB drive, browser download or external archive.
| Platform | Installation method | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Extract compatible packages into the Community folder | Conflicts and missing dependencies must be managed manually |
| Xbox Series X|S | Install content offered through the in-sim Marketplace | Downloaded Community-folder packages cannot be sideloaded |
Why is the downloaded airport missing or broken?
Most failed airport installations are caused by an incorrectly nested folder, the wrong Community folder, a missing dependency or another package modifying the same ICAO.
- The airport does not appear: Confirm that you extracted the archive and copied the package root rather than its outer download folder. Restart MSFS and search by ICAO; freeware airports do not always receive a special World Map marker.
- Buildings are missing: Recheck the description for required object libraries or separate dependency folders included in the archive.
- There are duplicate terminals or runways: Remove other packages covering that airport, including alternative freeware versions. Test again with only the chosen airport and its required libraries enabled.
- The ground has spikes, trenches or plateaus: This usually indicates conflicting elevation data or scenery made for an incompatible simulator build. Remove duplicate airport and terrain packages first.
- MSFS crashes while loading: Temporarily move the airport out of Community. If the simulator then loads, reinstall a clean copy and verify that it supports MSFS 2020.
A simulator update can expose faults in older scenery, but reinstalling the same files will not correct an incompatible package. Check for an updated edition or remove the airport until a compatible release is available.