Google Earth has launched a browser‑based flight simulator, letting any web user take off in a virtual cockpit. The rollout was announced on June 12, 2026 via the platform’s Twitter feed, which also noted new professional‑desktop tools now available online. To start, open Google Earth, select Explore Earth, then choose Flight Simulator from the Tools menu.

Google adds the mode after expanding its web suite with elevation profiles, extra import formats, and a 2024 historical‑imagery layer that let users view past landscapes. The company describes the simulator as an experimental, casual‑exploration feature, not a high‑fidelity training system, and warns users they may encounter occasional glitches during flight.

For hobbyists and geography enthusiasts, the free tool provides instant aerial tours without downloading heavy software. While it cannot replace dedicated simulators for serious pilots, its ease of access demonstrates Google’s strategy to blend utility with entertainment, turning a mapping service into a playful gateway to the planet’s skies.

Because the feature runs entirely in the browser, it works on most desktop operating systems and on Chrome‑based mobile browsers, broadening its reach beyond the traditional Google Earth app. Users can experiment with different aircraft models and weather presets, making it a lightweight sandbox for virtual travel.