Frequently asked
What is lofiatc?
lofiatc is a free, browser-based ambient sound app that streams live air traffic control (ATC) audio from major airports and mixes it with a curated lo-fi music playlist. You can adjust the volume of each source independently. It is designed for focus, study, sleep, quiet travel, and aviation enthusiasts.
Is lofiatc free?
Yes. There is no signup, no account, no ads, and no paywall. Open the site and press play.
Where does the live ATC audio come from?
Live ATC feeds are sourced from LiveATC.net, a long-running public archive of air traffic control audio from airports around the world. lofiatc proxies those streams so they play in any browser without CORS issues.
Why mix ATC with lo-fi music?
The cadence of pilot/controller chatter has a calming, predictable rhythm that pairs well with soft instrumental music. Many listeners find the combination ideal for studying, deep work, sleep, or simply enjoying a slow, atmospheric soundscape.
Which airports are available?
lofiatc curates feeds from 24+ major airports across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific — including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, LAX, SFO, Seattle, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Tokyo Haneda, Lisbon, Mexico City, Toronto, and Montréal. Browse the full list at /airports.
What do TOWER, GROUND, APPROACH, and CENTER mean?
TOWER controllers manage aircraft on the runway and in the immediate vicinity. GROUND controllers handle taxi traffic between gates and runways. APPROACH and DEPARTURE controllers handle aircraft entering or leaving the airport airspace. CENTER (or ARTCC) controllers handle cruising aircraft over a wide region.
Can I request an airport?
Yes — reach out on X at @wan_espinoza with the ICAO code and the LiveATC feed identifier and it will be considered.
Why is the audio cutting out or silent?
Live ATC feeds depend on volunteer receivers and can drop briefly when there is no traffic, when the receiver is offline, or when the airport is quiet (overnight). If a feed stays silent, switch to a different airport or frequency.
Does lofiatc work on mobile?
Yes. The layout adapts to phones and tablets. Mobile browsers will require a tap on play to start audio (a browser autoplay policy).
Who built lofiatc?
Juan Espinoza, a software engineer. Read more on the About page.
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