Why are some aircraft shown as yellow or red on the map?

In this article

• Yellow aircraft icons

• Red aircraft icons indicate one of two things

• Get notified when a flight squawks 7700 or 7600 

• Want to know more? Explore this topic in our blog

Yellow aircraft icons

Aircraft shown in yellow are being tracked in real time via our global receiver network. In some cases, their positions may be estimated.

Red aircraft icons

Red aircraft icons indicate one of two things:

• You have selected the aircraft and are currently following it on the map.
• The aircraft’s transponder is broadcasting an emergency squawk code:
  • 7600 – Radio failure (lost communication)
  • 7700 – General emergency

Get notified when a flight squawks 7700 or 7600 

Want to receive a notification from Flightradar24 when an aircraft squawks 7700 or 7600? In the Flightradar24 app, tap Alerts, then toggle the 7700 alert to on to receive a notification whenever a flight declares an emergency.

Want to know more? Explore this topic in our blog

What are squawk codes used for?

Squawking 7700 - In-flight Emergencies from a Pilot’s Perspective

Squawking 7700 - An Air Traffic Controller’s Perspective on In-flight Emergencies