How to Check Flight Location with an API

If you’re developing a travel application, managing logistics, or integrating flight data into your business systems, accessing accurate flight location information is crucial. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of retrieving flight location data using a Flight Tracking API.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Obtain an API Key from FlightAPI.io

1. Visit FlightAPI.io and sign up for an account.
2. Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
3. Access your dashboard, where you’ll find your unique API key ready for use.

Step 2: Make an API Request

To test the API, you don’t need Postman. Just go to the dashboard, click on “Flight Tracking API” on the right side. A tool will open where you can enter the required details. 

The API URL will be generated automatically. Click “Try” to run it and see the API response below.

If you want to test the API in your app or tech stack, use the following URL:

curl -X GET "https://api.flightapi.io/airline/YOUR_API_KEY?num=28&name=UA&date=20250505"

Here’s what each parameter means:

• YOUR_API_KEY: Replace this with the API key you get from your FlightAPI.io dashboard.
  
• num=28: This is the flight number (e.g., UA 28).
  
• name=UA: This is the airline code. “UA” stands for United Airlines.
  
• date=20250505: This is the date of the flight in YYYYMMDD format (year, month, day).
  

Update these values based on the flight you want to check.

Step 3: Interpret the API Response

The API will return a JSON response with key flight details, including the terminal and gate, which indicate the physical location of the flight at the airport.

[

  {

    "departure": [

      {

        "status": "Delayed",

        "Airport": "SIN",

        "Scheduled Time": "8:40 PM, May 05",

        "Estimated Time": "9:30 AM, May 06",

        "Terminal - Gate": "Terminal 2"

      }

    ]

  },

  {

    "arrival": [

      {

        "Airport": "SFO",

        "Scheduled Time": "8:45 PM, May 05",

        "Estimated Time": "10:03 AM, May 06",

        "Terminal - Gate": "Terminal 3"

      }

    ]

  }

]

Key Fields:

• Status: Tells whether the flight is on time, delayed, or canceled.
  
• Airport: The IATA code of the departure or arrival airport.
  
• Scheduled Time: The original scheduled departure or arrival time.
  
• Estimated Time: The updated time based on real-time adjustments.
  
• Terminal – Gate: This is the location you’re likely interested in. It tells you exactly where the flight is positioned, either at the departure gate or the arrival gate, depending on the status of the flight.
  

You can use the terminal and gate info to show where the flight is expected to board or land within the airport.

Wrapping Up:

Knowing where a flight will depart from or arrive at can be essential for many applications. Whether you’re building a travel tool or managing flight logistics, integrating this data can improve user experience and operational efficiency.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up at FlightAPI.io and get 20 free credits to track flight locations.