How to Read Flight Status (Complete Guide)
Reading flight status means understanding four things: the status word (such as “departed” or “landed”), the three kinds of time (scheduled, estimated and actual), the identifiers (flight number, callsign, airport codes) and, on live trackers, the data such as altitude and speed. This guide explains each and links to deeper pages.
1. Status words
Words like “scheduled”, “delayed”, “departed”, “landed” and “diverted” describe where a flight is in its life. Meanings differ slightly between airlines and trackers. See flight status meanings and landed vs arrived.
2. Times
Every flight has a scheduled, an estimated and an actual time. They answer different questions: when it was planned, when it is now expected, and when it really happened. See scheduled vs estimated vs actual times and why ETA changes.
3. Identifiers
Your ticket shows a flight number (PK 300); a tracker may show a callsign (PIA300). Airports and airlines have two code systems. See callsign vs flight number, IATA vs ICAO codes and how to find your flight number.
4. Live data
Altitude, speed and vertical rate tell you whether an aircraft is climbing, cruising or descending. See how to read altitude, speed and vertical rate.
Where each kind of information comes from
Live position data comes from ADS-B. Schedules, gates and official status come from the airline and the airport. FlightRadar.pk shows live position data; for official status use your airline. See how to check PIA flight status and Airblue.
Practical tips
- Check status at several points: the evening before, on the way to the airport and at the gate.
- Know the terminal and gate: see gate vs terminal.
- Allow time: see how early to arrive at airports in Pakistan.
- Share a live link with family: see how to share a live flight.
General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.