5 Fun Airport Simulation Games for Every Platform

Air traffic control sims for Steam, mobile, and game consoles

By
Courtney Marchelletta
Courtney Marchelletta
Writer

    Courtney Marchelletta is a former contributor to Lifewire, gaming enthusiast, and sim player who proves video games aren't just for guys.

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    Updated on August 9, 2024

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    Take over an international hub—and all the responsibilities that come with it—in these airport simulation games. Setting up security, managing traffic, and planning flight schedules are some tasks you'll complete as you experience working in an accurate air traffic control (ATC) tower.

    Airport Simulator 2019

    Screenshot of an airplane on the runway

    Toplitz Productions
    What We Like
    		•

      A large, realistic airport.

    • Drive all the vehicles.

    • Has vehicle damage, personnel injuries, and sick leave.

    What We Don't Like

    • Launched in a buggy, unfinished state, but improved with updates.

    • Overly repetitive.

    In Airport Simulator 2019, you're the manager of a major international airport, and it's your job to ensure everything runs smoothly. You'll buy and maintain a vehicle fleet, train staff, and more. As you gain experience, the airport grows, adding more gates and runways that accommodate larger planes.

    This airport sim is available on Windows, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

    'Tower!3D Pro'

    Screenshot of the video game Tower!3D Pro

    FeelThere
    What We Like

    • Three photorealistic airports.

    • Uses commands, AI, and speech recognition for an authentic experience.

    • Has voice recognition.

    What We Don't Like

    • A bit overpriced.

    • Three maps aren't enough.

    • Voice commands can be a hassle.

    A successor to the best-selling Tower! 2011 ATC simulator, Tower!3D Pro, puts you in charge as you guide aircraft of various sizes to and from an active runway during landing and takeoff.

    It includes flight strips, ground and air radar screens, and a full 3D view of each airport. There's also voice recognition, multiplayer options, dynamic lighting and shadows, a day-night cycle, and more.

    This airport simulator game is available on Windows via Steam.

    Airline Tycoon Deluxe

    Key art for the video game Airline Tycoon Deluxe

    Spellbound AG
    What We Like

    • Has 4-player co-op over a LAN.

    • More than 30 locations.

    • Desktop and mobile apps.

    What We Don't Like

    • The comic book aesthetic might turn off gamers looking for a more realistic experience.

    • It's a bit dated.

    Initially released in Germany in 1998, Airline Tycoon forgoes realism for humor. The art style is bright and cartoonish, but the gameplay is no joke. The Deluxe edition contains all the content found in the original game, along with 20 new airports and opportunities. Also, unlike other entries in this list, this one allows up to four people to game together over a local area network.

    Below is the Steam link that works on Windows and macOS. It's also available on the Apple and Google app stores.

    SimAirport

    Screenshot of an airport simulation with an airplane in the middle

    LVGameDev LLC
    What We Like

    • Several aircraft and airlines with realistic, high-quality textures.

    • There's always something to expand or optimize.

    • A starter airport eases new players into the game.

    What We Don't Like

    • Economy needs some tweaking.

    • Development appears to have stopped.

    SimAirport is a game where you control everything, "from the cruise-altitude decisions to the smallest ground-level details." Build an efficient and profitable international hub in Career Mode, or get creative in Sandbox Mode. Build a terminal, hire staff, tweak flight schedules, and design infrastructures like roads, fuel systems, service vehicles, and more. Every decision impacts your gameplay, right down to the trash cans.

    This game is available through Steam and the Mac App Store.

    Airport CEO

    Screenshot of an airport simulator with a white airplane

    Apoapsis Studios
    What We Like

    • Complex.

    • Constantly updated.

    • Passengers have personalities, needs, and a background story.

    What We Don't Like

    • Like SimAirport, it's in Early Access on Steam.

    • A bit buggy, according to early reviewers.

    • Tutorial could be more in-depth.

    Airport CEO is a 2D tycoon and management sim where you design an airport's infrastructure and run the business side. As the boss, you cater to the passengers, hire friendly and helpful staff, and ward off criminals. And that's before you deal with equipment breakdowns, bad weather, emergency landings, and more.

    Windows and Mac users can play this airport sim through Steam.

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