Airport Simulator: Plane City in IOS

Multi-hub building simulation

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

83/100

Airport Simulator: Plane City is a deep and rewarding management sim that successfully captures the complexity of international logistics without being overwhelming. Unlike simpler 'idle' airport games, this title requires genuine planning. You have to manage everything from flight schedules and passenger flow to refueling and maintenance crews.

The progression feels earned; moving from a small regional strip to a massive international hub is a journey that takes dozens of hours of strategic decision-making. The 3D models of the planes and terminals are impressively detailed, and there's a real sense of satisfaction in watching your airport function like a well-oiled machine during peak hours. It’s a high-quality 'tycoon' experience that rewards both efficiency and long-term vision.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

I want to like Airport Simulator. I really do. I’m a fan of the old-school tycoon games where strategy mattered. This game has the bones of a good sim—managing runways, upgrading terminals, and balancing budgets. But it’s a mobile game, which means it’s designed to stop you from playing unless you pay or wait.

The 'City' aspect is a nice touch, adding a layer of infrastructure management outside the terminal. But once the timers hit the two-hour mark for a simple gate upgrade, the fun evaporates. The graphics are clean and the menus are readable, which is a plus, but the lack of a true 'sandbox' mode that isn't tethered to monetization is disappointing. It’s a job, not a hobby.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Deep management options
  • Detailed plane models
  • Clean UI
  • Excessive wait timers
  • Pay-to-progress feel
  • Repetitive tasks
  • No real end-game

Technical Report

Performance: Significant battery drain. Becomes laggy when the airport gets very large.

Accessibility:

    Audience Fit

    Buy if: You love aviation and don't mind checking your phone once every few hours to click a button.

    Skip if: You want a management sim that you can play for hours at a time without interruptions.

    Similar Games:
    • SimCity BuildIt
    • Airlines Manager
    • Pocket Planes

    Reviewer Context

    • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
    • Hardware: iPhone 14 Pro
    • Playtime: 20 hours
    • Status: Level 15 reached

    The Game

    Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

    Version 2.01.0700Fri Apr 10 2026

    Update 2.01.0700

    Added a detailed popup to resolve save file conflicts

    Even more updates and improvements for the Builder

    Italian has been added to the game

    General bug fixes and stability improvements


    Welcome to Airport Simulator! Your mission: manage the world’s most iconic airports. From check in to take-offs, every decision is yours. Grow your terminals, manage flights, and keep your passengers and partner airlines happy. Think smart, plan ahead, and join a global community of over 10 million players!

    - Take charge of 3 unique locations: each offering distinctive city-based challenges and opportunities. Start from scratch, expand your infrastructure, and make sure it’s ready to handle increasing air traffic.

    - Manage both interiors and exteriors: from layout to decoration, you're in charge! From runways and terminals to cafés, gates, and custom buildables, customize every element to ensure your airport runs efficiently and stands out visually.

    - Manage airline partnerships: negotiate deals, expand your airline roster, and build trust with airlines to advance through the Wings of Trust Pass, a relationship-powered progression system that reflects your airline loyalty and unlocks exclusive rewards.

    - Optimize Passenger Flow and Satisfaction: design seamless passenger experiences from arrival to takeoff. Improve check-ins, reduce wait times, and offer comfort-enhancing services to increase satisfaction.

    - Strategize your airport’s operations: manage flight schedules on a 24-hour basis, coordinate plane rotations, and optimize logistics across all terminals. Handle short, medium and long-haul flights with precision.

    - Boost popularity and attract more travelers: boost your airport’s popularity by creating welcoming spaces. Add retail outlets, dining areas, and entertainment options. A thriving environment attracts more travelers, increases spending, and elevates your global reputation.

    - Grow and personalize your aircraft fleet: use a wide selection of realistic 3D plane models and their liveries, assign them to routes, and fulfill your contractual obligations… but in style! As your influence grows, unlock more advanced aircraft and operational possibilities.

    - Immerse yourself in the flow: Airport Simulator isn’t just about strategy—it’s a contemplative experience. Watch beautifully animated aircraft take off and land, as your terminals buzz with life. Fluid gameplay, smooth transitions, and stunning 3D visuals create a calm yet engaging environment.

    ABOUT US

    We are Playrion, a French gaming studio based in Paris. We are driven by the desire to design free to play mobile games linked to the world of aviation and offering a top notch user experience. We love planes, and anything that’s related to them. Our entire office has been decorated with airport iconography and plane models, including the recent addition of the Concorde from Lego. If you share our passion for the world of aviation, or simply love management games, Airport Simulator is for you!

    Join the community: https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/airport-simulator/about


    Requires iOS 15.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    Welcome to Airport Simulator! Your mission: manage the world’s most iconic airports. From check in to take-offs, every decision is yours. Grow your terminals, manage flights, and keep your passengers and partner airlines happy. Think smart, plan ahead, and join a global community of over 10 million players!

    - Take charge of 3 unique locations: each offering distinctive city-based challenges and opportunities. Start from scratch, expand your infrastructure, and make sure it’s ready to handle increasing air traffic.

    - Manage both interiors and exteriors: from layout to decoration, you're in charge! From runways and terminals to cafés, gates, and custom buildables, customize every element to ensure your airport runs efficiently and stands out visually.

    - Manage airline partnerships: negotiate deals, expand your airline roster, and build trust with airlines to advance through the Wings of Trust Pass, a relationship-powered progression system that reflects your airline loyalty and unlocks exclusive rewards.

    - Optimize Passenger Flow and Satisfaction: design seamless passenger experiences from arrival to takeoff. Improve check-ins, reduce wait times, and offer comfort-enhancing services to increase satisfaction.

    - Strategize your airport’s operations: manage flight schedules on a 24-hour basis, coordinate plane rotations, and optimize logistics across all terminals. Handle short, medium and long-haul flights with precision.

    - Boost popularity and attract more travelers: boost your airport’s popularity by creating welcoming spaces. Add retail outlets, dining areas, and entertainment options. A thriving environment attracts more travelers, increases spending, and elevates your global reputation.

    - Grow and personalize your aircraft fleet: use a wide selection of realistic 3D plane models and their liveries, assign them to routes, and fulfill your contractual obligations… but in style! As your influence grows, unlock more advanced aircraft and operational possibilities.

    - Immerse yourself in the flow: Airport Simulator isn’t just about strategy—it’s a contemplative experience. Watch beautifully animated aircraft take off and land, as your terminals buzz with life. Fluid gameplay, smooth transitions, and stunning 3D visuals create a calm yet engaging environment.

    ABOUT US

    We are Playrion, a French gaming studio based in Paris. We are driven by the desire to design free to play mobile games linked to the world of aviation and offering a top notch user experience. We love planes, and anything that’s related to them. Our entire office has been decorated with airport iconography and plane models, including the recent addition of the Concorde from Lego. If you share our passion for the world of aviation, or simply love management games, Airport Simulator is for you!

    Join the community: https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/airport-simulator/about

    Indonesia (IGRS): Pending verification. Self-rated: 3+.

    With support from the FAJV, a fund co-financed by the National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image and the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.


    In-Game Events

    Auto-Planning: Optimization!
    MAJOR UPDATE
    Auto-Planning: Optimization!
    Less management. More strategy.

    We've taken management even further. Automatic scheduling of your Contracts, entirely in your hands.

    Starts: 4/10/2026Ends: 5/11/2026
    Manage. Automate. Progress.
    MAJOR UPDATE
    Manage. Automate. Progress.
    Managing your Airport has never been this easy!

    The game has changed. Auto-Planning is here! Customizable, automatic, stress-free. Your Airport is waiting.

    Starts: 4/10/2026Ends: 5/9/2026
    Your Airport Game Evolved!
    MAJOR UPDATE
    Your Airport Game Evolved!
    Airport Simulator evolved: new airlines & content!

    Your airport tycoon simulator has evolved! New airlines, flight routes, decorations & gameplay. Build your empire!

    Starts: 4/1/2026Ends: 5/2/2026

    Featured In

    Reach for the Sky
    GAMES WE LOVE
    Reach for the Sky
    Build the world’s coolest, smoothest airport.

    Ratings & Reviews

    4.6 out of 5 with 8873 Counts
    Age Rating 4+

    Screenshots

    Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 1Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 2Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 3Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 4Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 5Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 6Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 7Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 8Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 9Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 10Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 11Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 12Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 13Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 14Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 15Airport Simulator: Plane City screenshot 16

    Airport Simulator: Plane City puts you in the role of a CEO tasked with building a world-class aviation hub. From designing the terminal layout to negotiating airline contracts and managing ground crews, every detail is under your control. Optimize your passenger flow to maximize profit, handle emergency situations, and research new technologies to expand your reach. With realistic flight logistics and a deep progression system, it's the ultimate simulation for aviation enthusiasts and strategy fans.

    Features

    1

    Deep airport management mechanics

    2

    Realistic aircraft and airline logistics

    3

    Extensive terminal customization

    4

    Challenging strategy and planning

    Tips

    Promotion Videos

    Related Videos

    News on this game

    Top 5 Planes Games on iOS in France: Q3 2024 Performance

    Explore the performance metrics of the leading planes games on iOS in France during Q3 2024, showcasing trends in downloads, revenue, and active users.

    Sensor Tower - Thu May 29 2025

    Airport Simulator: First Class lets you build and manage your own airport, out now on iOS and Android

    Developer Playrion Game Studio and publisher Paradox Interactive have officially announced the launch of Airport Simulator: First Class,...

    Pocket Gamer - Mon May 29 2023

    Airport Simulator: Plane City by Playrion

    The airport is like a city that needs to be managed! ... - Decide on your airport strategy, explore until finding the perfect balance between low-...

    AppAdvice - Fri Aug 29 2025

    Airport Simulator: First Class Codes

    A list of working and expired Airport Simulator: First Class codes that you can redeem in-game for freebies, including how to do so.

    Droid Gamers - Mon Jan 29 2024

    Airport Simulator: First Class Codes

    A list of active Airport Simulator: First Class codes that you can redeem in-game, including redemption instructions.

    Gamezebo - Mon Jan 29 2024

    Gameplays

    Q&A

    While it has some idle elements, it is primarily an active management simulator that requires strategic oversight.

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