Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is officially out today, and fans are eagerly hopping into their virtual cockpits to take to the skies once again. Or at least, they're trying.

What you need to know Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched on Xbox and PC today, November 19, at 11:00 AM EST.Pre-loading was offered before launch but offered a fraction of its expected install size.

Today was supposed to be a day of celebration for Flight Sim fans - the arrival of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox and PC (including as part of Xbox Game Pass ). Unfortunately though, it's suffered a very turbulent start so far.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has a November 19 release date on PC and consoles. For UK players, Microsoft Flight Sim 24 has a 4pm GMT release time on all platforms. This means US fans can start playing at 8am PST.

If you tried to get some flight time in Flight Simulator 2024 today only to find yourself staring at a loading screen, you’re not alone. The official X page for Microsoft’s flight sim @MSFS_Support posted an update that several users are reporting “long initial loading times.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is clear for takeoff, ready to give aircraft fanciers and digital globetrotters another jaunt across its beautiful world. But in a turn of events almost exactly mirroring the launch day woes seen by its 2020 predecessor,