Where can I safely download free MSFS 2024 aircraft?
Fly Away Simulation’s MSFS downloads library is a reliable place to find free aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Choose files explicitly marked as MSFS 2024-compatible, check the listing and documentation, scan the archive before extraction, and avoid any download that asks you to disable security software or run unrelated programs.
Where are the free MSFS 2024 aircraft downloads?
The best starting point is our Microsoft Flight Simulator add-on library, which covers aircraft and other freeware for MSFS 2020 and 2024. Because both simulator generations appear in the library, read each file’s compatibility information rather than assuming every MSFS download supports 2024.
- Passenger aircraft: Browse the dedicated collection of freeware civil jets and airliners.
- Light aircraft and trainers: Use the free general-aviation aircraft section for touring aeroplanes, homebuilts and smaller types.
- Complete aircraft: Confirm that the description says it is a full aircraft package. A livery only changes the paint scheme of an aircraft you must already own.
How do I tell whether a free aircraft download is safe?
The safest method is to verify the listing, contents and compatibility before anything reaches the simulator’s Community folder.
- Read the entire file description. Look for an explicit MSFS 2024 compatibility statement, required base aircraft, dependencies and installation instructions. A file labelled only for MSFS 2020 should be treated as unconfirmed for 2024.
- Check what the package actually provides. “Livery”, “repaint”, “mod” and “enhancement” do not necessarily mean a flyable standalone aircraft. Some packages require a default, premium or separately installed aircraft.
- Inspect the archive before installing it. A conventional MSFS package normally contains a package folder with files such as
manifest.jsonandlayout.json. Those names confirm the expected structure, not that the file is harmless. - Scan the downloaded archive. Use your normal security software and scan the extracted folder as well. Never disable protection merely because a readme tells you to do so.
- Treat executable files cautiously. Some complex aircraft use documented installers, so an executable is not automatically malicious. Run one only when the listing clearly explains why it is needed and what it will install.
- Install one add-on at a time. Launch the simulator and test it before adding another package. This makes a broken or conflicting aircraft much easier to identify.
Will MSFS 2020 aircraft work in MSFS 2024?
Some MSFS 2020 aircraft work in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but compatibility should never be assumed. Simple aircraft may transfer successfully, while complex avionics, cockpit interactions, external modules, sounds or dependencies can require a 2024-specific update.
Prefer a listing that explicitly names MSFS 2024. If it only names MSFS 2020, check the author’s included notes and be prepared to remove the package if controls, instruments or flight-model behaviour are broken.
Can Xbox and PlayStation install downloaded aircraft?
External freeware aircraft downloads can be manually installed only on the Windows PC version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Platform | Can it install downloaded aircraft files? |
|---|---|
| Windows PC | Yes, when the aircraft supports MSFS 2024 and is installed in the active Community folder. |
| Xbox Series X|S | No. Consoles cannot sideload aircraft archives; add-ons must be delivered through the simulator’s built-in content system. |
| PS5 and PS5 Pro | No. Downloaded PC packages cannot be copied into the PlayStation version. |
Why does my downloaded aircraft not appear?
An aircraft that does not appear is usually installed in the wrong folder, still compressed or nested one directory too deep.
- Extract the archive instead of placing the ZIP file in
Community. - Make sure the folder containing
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonis not buried inside an extra folder created during extraction. - Confirm that you used the MSFS 2024
Communityfolder, not the folder belonging to MSFS 2020 or another installation. - Check that the download is a complete aircraft rather than a repaint or enhancement requiring another product.
- Restart the simulator after adding the package.
The exact package location varies with the PC edition and any custom installation path. Our Community-folder installation instructions explain how to find the active folder and avoid the double-nesting mistake.