Mini Airways - ATC simulator

Mini Airways - ATC simulator

Released Jul 2024

Mini Airways is a real-time management game where you play the role of an air traffic controller. Clear your aircraft to takeoff & land, direct them to the destination...and most of all don't let them crash!! London, Tokyo, Shanghai... Test your ATC skills in distinctive maps around the globe!

92% positive · 1,612 reviews
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam $9.99
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Evaluation

Mini Airways launched on July 30, 2024 and has been receiving steady content additions ever since. Major milestones include Steam Workshop integration (September 2024), a full online multiplayer mode (December 2024), a Voice Control System (June 2025), the free "Tides of Barra" beach-runway DLC (May 14, 2026), a new Harbin Taiping International Airport map plus a License System meta-progression feature (June 26, 2026), and the paid "Busy Skies" DLC — which added five new airport maps and three new gameplay mechanics — on September 23, 2026. Looking ahead, the developer has several commitments still outstanding. The 2026 roadmap published on May 9, 2026 described a Q4 overhaul of the multiplayer mode, which has not yet been delivered. In the Busy Skies launch post on September 23, 2026, the developer explicitly stated that free base-game content is being prepared and is expected around October 2026. Additionally, as of September 24, 2026, a new "Black Box" mode — which introduces daily challenges, scenario sharing, and global leaderboards — is currently in active beta testing on a separate Steam branch, ahead of its full release. The developer is actively gathering feedback and refining this feature before it ships to the main game. The developer is communicating actively and has clearly articulated what is coming next across multiple near-term deliverables.
Evidence
Black Box mode — featuring daily challenges, scenario sharing, and leaderboards — is now in beta testing, with developer actively collecting feedback ahead of an official release.
news post · Sep 24, 2026 source content planned
high
Busy Skies DLC released, adding 5 new airport maps and 3 new gameplay mechanics.
dlc listing · Sep 23, 2026 source content shipped
high

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Erabit
Achievements
65
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op

About this game

Mini Airways is a real-time management game with an air traffic control theme.

You will play as a busy air traffic controller in the game: directing planes to take off and land, clearing air traffic, upgrading airspace ...... And most of all, don't let them crash!


Each airport can accommodate up to 4 people online and supports the use of the Workshop map. You can work with your friends to jointly manage the same airspace to reduce the impact of mistakes and challenge higher scores!

Fast-paced, real-time ATC gameplay: Manage airspace, clear planes for takeoff and landing, and avoid near misses! In addition to the normal arrangement of takeoffs and landings, you also need to face the challenges of mountains, no-fly zones, and peak landing hours, so please concentrate!

Every time you finish one day's management, you will be able to pick an upgrade for your airspace and airport: auto holding, accelerating turns, increasing airspace, waypoints ...... upgrade and customize airports to keep flights running more smoothly.

As you increase your flight management records, you will gradually unlock a total of 19 airspace maps based on real-world airports—from Beijing Capital, Shanghai Hongqiao, Chengdu Shuangliu in China to Vancouver, New York in North America, and then to London, Amsterdam in Europe... Showcase your air traffic control skills across various global airports!

The game triggers random events under certain specific maps and conditions, featuring classic moments in aviation history: the miracle landing on the Hudson River, Air Force One crossing, emergency incidents, high-priority flights, etc.

The game offers three modes: Classic, Hardcore, and Sandbox.

In Hardcore mode, the airspace simulates real ATC operations without the ability to pause within the session;

In Sandbox mode, players have full control over waypoints, props, and landing intensity, allowing you to design their own waypoints and test the maximum flight density they can handle.

The game supports creating custom maps and mods. Players can import map assets, freely configure runways, restricted areas, and other terrains for gameplay. For those with more demanding needs in aviation management, they can create MODs for altitude, wind speed, etc., enhancing the strategic depth of the game.

Don't Miss Out!

As you’ve read this far, you must be a true fan!

If you are into ATC (Air Traffic Control), civil aviation, or flight simulation, then Mini Airways is definitely worth trying!

Our development and publishing team are enthusiasts of ATC and flight simulation. We have experienced and researched all kinds of air traffic control and flight simulation games available, most of which feature highly abstract graphics like Endless ATC or Air Traffic: Greenlight, or extremely realistic simulations like Global ATC Simulator, I am an Air Traffic Controller 4 (ATC4), Microsoft Flight Simulator, and X-Plane 12, which almost all opt for professional and complex routes.

By the way: Mini Airways plays more like 112 Operator and 911 Operator than Mini Metro or Mini Motorways.

However, for beginners who are not professionals, they might prefer a simpler entry-level product that doesn’t necessarily strive for realism but focuses on gradual terminology explanations and functional guidance. We believe this approach can help grow the somewhat niche community of ATC enthusiasts. This is why we developed Mini Airways.

Since its release half a year ago, Mini Airways has received a lot of positive feedback and suggestions. It even made a small appearance in the East China Air Traffic Management Bureau’s skill competition. Thank you all for your support! Based on feedback from reviews, we are continuously optimizing the game to balance professionalism and gaming enjoyment.

In the future, we will work hard to bring more new maps, new events, and even explore new features (such as voice control similar to sim4D ATC). Mobile development is also underway, so stay tuned to our Steam page for updates! See you next time!

Last evaluated Sep 29, 2026
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