What Is STAR? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
A STAR (standard terminal arrival route) is a published route that aircraft follow from the airway down towards an airport.
In plain language
STARs organise arriving traffic and lead aircraft to a point where approach control takes over and sequences them for landing.
Example
On the live map, aircraft arriving at an airport often follow similar paths because they follow the same STAR.
Why it matters
STARs make arrivals predictable for controllers and crews. They are why arriving flights often line up on the same approach paths before landing.