Google Earth launches browser-based flight simulator

Google has made a flight simulator feature widely available through the web version of Google Earth, allowing users to virtually fly over the planet's satellite imagery and 3D terrain directly from a browser. The company announced the global rollout of the feature on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Previously a hidden feature accessible only through a keyboard shortcut in the desktop application since 2007, the simulator is now an easily accessible option for all users on the web platform. To activate it, users must open the Google Earth website, click the "Explore Earth" button, and select "Flight Simulator" from the Tools menu in the top navigation bar.

The experience is designed for casual exploration rather than high-fidelity simulation. Users control a virtual aircraft using keyboard keys, such as arrow keys for direction and page up/page down for speed, with no need for specialized controllers. The simulator utilizes Google Earth's existing 3D models and streaming satellite imagery, allowing for photorealistic flyovers of global landmarks. However, the feature does not include complex aviation procedures like taking off, taxiing, or landing; users begin their flight already...