Air Traffic Simulation Game

Nothing moves without your clearance.

Run the tower. Guide every flight from the stand to the sky, and hear pilots answer you out loud.

11:33Wind 321° / 13 ktRWY 074 waitingLVL 1/8♥♥♥

Command line

Talk like a tower.

Type a callsign and the command line offers what fits next: clearances, pushback, taxi routes and runways. Enter picks a suggestion, Ctrl+Enter transmits.

SH8752 taxi to holding point runway 07 via N H

You

SH8752 taxi to holding point runway 07 via N H

SH8752

Taxi to holding point runway zero seven via November Hotel, Sierra Hotel eight seven five two.

Pilot voices

Pilots answer out loud.

Every aircraft keeps its own voice. Callsigns, runways and squawk codes come back digit by digit with the phonetic alphabet, the way they sound on frequency.

Ground and approach

From the apron to ten miles out.

Jump between the airport and the approach. Range rings every 2 NM show how far out your traffic is, and a line marks the final approach to the active runway.

M switches the view

Flight strips and score

Keep the flow. Keep your lives.

Aircraft that need you rise to the top of the strips. Every flight you handle pays, traffic grows as you go, and every conflict costs one of your three lives.

What's new

Version 1.48.0

23 September 2026

NewAt US airports pilots now say frequencies with "point", as they do there
NewThe game now runs at play.hold-short.app; settings and high score start fresh there
NewThe landing page now lives at hold-short.app

Version 1.47.2 · 21 September 2026

FixedA new taxi clearance at a runway holding point keeps the aircraft waiting there instead of letting it cross without clearance
FixedAn aircraft holding short of a runway it has to cross can now always be cleared with "cross runway" or told to "hold short of runway"

Version 1.47.1 · 21 September 2026

FixedWhen no holding point with enough runway can be reached, the pilot now asks for another runway instead of full length

Version 1.47.0 · 21 September 2026

New"backtrack and line up runway 07" drives onto the runway, back down it and into position in one clearance
Newpicking an aircraft now brings it into view on the map, without changing your zoom
NewSend an aircraft down the runway and turn it around at the far end with "runway 07, backtrack"
Newshow a taxiway's name next to the mouse pointer while you hover it on the map
FixedAn aircraft holding short of a runway whose direction has changed is no longer stuck at its holding point
Fixedclicking a taxiway, stand or runway on the map now only fills the command line where that name fits the command you are building

Version 1.46.0 · 20 September 2026

NewArrivals can be sent to a different stand, and the stand they were heading to becomes free again
NewYou can now change a taxi clearance while an aircraft is already taxiing or waiting
Fixeda plane that stops talking loses its pin, and its old callsign in the radio log no longer starts a command
FixedA refused re-routing no longer counts against you as a refused clearance
FixedA taxiway split by a crossing in the map data now counts as one taxiway, so a clearance like "via M" no longer comes back as unable
Fixedtaxiway names made of two words, such as "LINK 11" or "A 1", count as valid again, so the status line stops calling them unknown and the route still appears on the map
Fixedthe suggestion list keeps narrowing while you type a taxiway name with a space, and a route tapped together on touch shows its preview

Version 1.45.0 · 20 September 2026

Newkeep taxiway and stand labels quiet until you point at them or name them in a command
NewSee at a glance which runway direction is in use on the map
NewThe status line under the command line now names every value it read, such as RWY, Route or Squawk
FixedThe runway to cross, the hold short point and the wind no longer appear as bare numbers

Version 1.44.0 · 20 September 2026

NewChoose the time of day before a session: morning, day, dusk or night
FixedA minute on the tower clock is a real minute again, so waiting times and slot windows are reachable
FixedOff-block, slot and arrival times on the strip now match what happens on the map
FixedThe delay counter next to an aircraft now says that it is the crew's waiting time
FixedWarning markers on the map stay visible while the game is paused

Version 1.43.1 · 20 September 2026

FixedPilot radio calls play after taking over the tower on iPhone Safari
FixedThe Music slider adjusts and mutes background music on iOS Safari
FixedTouch command builder stays readable and keeps command choices when rotating a tablet

Version 1.43.0 · 17 September 2026

NewLarge aircraft only get stands they actually fit on
NewPushing a parked aircraft out of the way now counts as a collision
NewThe map shows the planned taxi route while you enter the clearance
FixedAircraft details now open only after selecting the same aircraft or flight strip twice.
FixedAircraft no longer park on top of each other on neighbouring stands
FixedPushback is refused when a parked aircraft blocks the way, and the pilot names the stand

Version 1.42.1 · 16 September 2026

Fixedassign departure runway with taxi clearance

Version 1.42.0 · 16 September 2026

NewFlugzeuge kreuzen Bahnen auf dem Weg zum Stand oder zur Startbahn – ohne deine Freigabe halten sie davor und melden sich
Newneue Funksprüche „cross runway" und „hold short of runway", auch direkt in der Rollfreigabe
FixedDie letzten Funksprüche sind über der Karte jetzt gut lesbar — die Karte dunkelt darunter sanft ab, und ältere Zeilen werden nicht mehr ausgegraut.
FixedStände und Bahnen, die bisher gar nicht erreichbar waren, lassen sich jetzt anrollen

Version 1.41.1 · 16 September 2026

FixedA pushback approved too early is refused with the reason, such as boarding in progress
FixedAircraft that had to wait before their first call now board after they reach you, instead of standing ready the moment you clear them

Version 1.41.0 · 16 September 2026

NewA click on the empty map closes the detail view
NewClicking an aircraft or its flight strip now starts a command and opens its details at once
NewPilots name the runway they will rejoin when they go around
FixedA go-around no longer crosses the approach of a parallel runway
FixedAircraft no longer climb on final after a go-around
FixedAircraft that go around now come back to the runway that is active, even after you turned the direction around

Version 1.40.0 · 15 September 2026

NewChoose one of ten airports around the world before you take the tower
NewFlights now also head to big international hubs

Version 1.39.0 · 15 September 2026

NewOn phones and tablets you build commands by swiping instead of typing: pick an aircraft, a clearance and each value, and see the command take shape as you go
NewOn touch devices, the aircraft waiting for you are a swipe row, and the pilot's last message is always shown in full
NewOn touch devices, the choices that fit the aircraft come first, like its destination, its runway or the next taxiway crossing on its route

Version 1.38.0 · 15 September 2026

NewA short dedication to air traffic controllers on the start page
NewThe start page describes the game without naming a single airport

Version 1.37.0 · 15 September 2026

NewThe game has a new name, Hold Short, with its own logo on the start page, the loading screen and in the browser tab
FixedAircraft on the start page roll along the runway and taxiways instead of beside them

Version 1.36.0 · 15 September 2026

NewAircraft glide smoothly across the map instead of moving in small jumps

Version 1.35.0 · 15 September 2026

NewAfter a callsign, command suggestions are grouped into Delivery, Ground, Tower and Departure, with the command the aircraft is waiting for on top
NewAt night taxiways, runways and approach lights glow on the map
NewCommand suggestions leave out what an aircraft no longer needs, like pushback for a taxiing departure or landing for an aircraft already on the ground
NewDusk and dawn now fade in smoothly instead of switching at six o'clock
NewOn touch devices, taxiing aircraft get chips to hold position, hold short and continue taxi

Version 1.34.0 · 15 September 2026

NewThe loading screen shows step by step how radio calls work for a departure and a landing
FixedExample clearances in the manual name the full destination airport

Version 1.33.1 · 15 September 2026

FixedPilots now talk from your very first game

Version 1.33.0 · 15 September 2026

NewZoomed out to the approach view, the map only shows aircraft that are talking to you
FixedThe start page shows its aircraft again, now with the same outlines and airline colours as in the game

Version 1.32.0 · 15 September 2026

NewA manual behind the book icon in the HUD explains scoring, the flow of a flight, every radio call, the controls and tricky situations

Version 1.31.0 · 15 September 2026

NewAircraft lights blink by what the aircraft is doing, and at night the map gets darker with glowing lights and taxi lights
NewAircraft on the map show the real outline and size of their type, with cockpit windows, engines and control surfaces up close
NewTen airlines fly at the airport, recognizable by the letters in the callsign and their own colours, while small aircraft fly privately

Version 1.30.0 · 15 September 2026

NewA new start page shows the airport with live traffic, the radio and the command line in action
NewSee the latest update on the start page and open every earlier one with one click

Version 1.29.0 · 15 September 2026

NewAircraft that have not called in yet show no label or flight strip, and clicking one opens its details
NewThe apron starts busy with parked aircraft on a quarter to half of the stands, and they call in one after another as traffic allows

Version 1.28.0 · 14 September 2026

NewA night take-off loading screen keeps the tower closed until everything is ready
NewPilots speak with natural, clear voices, and their messages appear in the radio log as you hear them
FixedPilot voices are no longer silent after starting a new session following game over

Version 1.27.0 · 14 September 2026

NewThe full aircraft label shows how late a flight on the ground is while the delay costs money, turning yellow and then red as it grows

Version 1.26.0 · 14 September 2026

NewThe aircraft detail sketch shows each type with its own silhouette, real proportions and every seat
FixedDisruption labels in the aircraft sketch fit their text and no longer cover seats or ground vehicles

Version 1.25.0 · 14 September 2026

NewChoose the active runways once for take-offs and landings; the runway panel shows a single row
NewCommand suggestions push the radio log up instead of covering it, so you can keep reading messages while you type
NewGive clearances on touch devices by tapping command chips, without the on-screen keyboard
NewOn phones the HUD shrinks to one pill with a menu for speed, music and settings
NewPlay on tablets and phones: flight strips, radio and the command line sit in a sheet at the bottom that you can pull up
NewRange rings every 2 NM and extended runway centrelines for the active runways appear when you zoom out
NewStop a taxiing aircraft with hold position or hold short of a taxiway and send it on with continue taxi
NewSwitch between a ground view of the airport and an approach view with the GND and APP buttons or the M key
NewTab picks the highlighted command suggestion, just like Enter
NewTap strips, aircraft and taxiway labels instead of hovering, and pinch to zoom the aircraft sketch
FixedThe wind suggestion opens only parallel runways instead of crossing ones

Version 1.24.0 · 14 September 2026

NewA paused game blurs the airport, holds the pilot voices and shows a large pause screen until you continue
NewClear aircraft to line up or take off while they are still taxiing to the holding point
NewEvery aircraft keeps its own voice, with a slightly different pitch and speed
NewPause the game or speed it up to 2x or 3x with the buttons next to the clock or the keys 1 to 4
NewPilots read callsigns, runways, squawk codes and frequencies like real radio calls, digit by digit with the phonetic alphabet
NewThe number keys now control the game speed instead of toggling map layers
FixedAircraft queued behind the holding point now move up and can be cleared for take-off once they get there
FixedClicking into the empty command line shows the callsigns
FixedCommand suggestions follow the cursor, so Enter completes the value where you clicked instead of where you typed last
FixedPilots no longer talk with singing, childlike or robotic novelty voices

Version 1.23.0 · 14 September 2026

NewA difficulty level next to the score rises as you handle flights and brings more traffic, delays and heavy aircraft up to a limit
NewAirports with two parallel runways reach higher difficulty levels
NewCommas between the parts of a command are optional
NewEnter picks the highlighted suggestion, Ctrl+Enter or Cmd+Enter sends the command right away
NewFlight strips are one line each, and aircraft waiting for your clearance are listed at the top
NewPilots read back intersection departures with the remaining runway and refuse intersections too short for their aircraft
NewRadio calls appear right above the command line, and the full history opens with one click
NewTaxiway suggestions only list taxiways the aircraft can reach next, starting with the ones on its own route
NewThe aircraft details open next to the flight strips instead of a window you have to drag
NewThe game starts calmly, with the first departures calling in one after another before the first arrival
NewThe map now fills the whole screen, with a compact bar for the clock, score and settings
FixedAircraft cleared to a runway taxi to a holding point with enough runway ahead instead of the nearest one
FixedInstructions also work with the callsign typed in lower case
FixedPilots answer "say again" when they are called with an instruction they don't understand
FixedSuggestions no longer repeat what is already typed

Version 1.22.0 · 14 September 2026

NewA toolbar on the map shows or hides taxiways, runways, stands, hold lines and aircraft labels, also with the keys 1 to 5
NewClicking a taxiway, runway or stand label adds its name to the command line
NewHovering a label or a taxiway highlights the whole taxiway
NewRed hold lines mark every runway entry, and guard lights pulse at the holding points used for takeoff
NewTaxiway, runway and stand labels are easier to read and no longer pile up on top of each other
FixedStands without a number no longer show "undefined" on the map

Version 1.21.1 · 14 September 2026

NewThe "What's new" list describes every version in plain words and separates new features from fixes

Version 1.21.0 · 14 September 2026

NewCollisions and aircraft blocking each other now cost a life, and the game ends when all lives are gone
NewAfter game over, see your statistics and high score and start a new round at the same airport

Version 1.20.0 · 14 September 2026

NewDrag aircraft labels to wherever they are easiest to read
NewDouble-click a moved label to let the game place it again

Version 1.19.0 · 14 September 2026

NewEarn money for every landing and departure, with less pay for delays and a charge for every go-around
NewKeep an eye on your money, landings, departures and lives in the bottom bar
NewArrivals come in more often the more aircraft you handle

Version 1.18.0 · 13 September 2026

NewTaxiing aircraft stop behind the traffic ahead and move on once the way is clear
NewAircraft waiting behind another one at a holding point now report holding short too
NewConflicts, collisions and aircraft blocking each other are marked on the map

Version 1.17.0 · 13 September 2026

NewGuide departures from pushback along your cleared taxi route to take-off, and bring arrivals in to land and taxi to their stand
NewChoose the active runways yourself based on a live wind model, while pilots refuse clearances with too much tailwind
NewArrivals turn around at their stand into new departures, and a detail panel shows each flight's crew, timeline and radio calls

Version 1.16.0 · 30 April 2025

NewClear aircraft to push back from their stand

Version 1.15.0 · 29 April 2025

NewGive departures their IFR clearance, with squawk code suggestions

Version 1.14.0 · 27 April 2025

NewPilots read their radio calls aloud, with a volume setting of their own

Version 1.13.0 · 27 April 2025

NewPilots call you on the radio to request their IFR clearance

Version 1.12.0 · 26 April 2025

NewThe ATC chat shows new radio messages as they arrive and can be minimized

Version 1.11.0 · 26 April 2025

NewA clock shows the simulation time, with the sun and moon marking day and night

Version 1.9.0 · 22 April 2025

NewSort flight strips by dragging them between columns
NewType ATC commands in the new command bar with suggestions as you type

Version 1.7.0 · 20 April 2025

NewListen to music in the new music player and adjust the volume in the settings

Version 1.6.1 · 20 April 2025

FixedThe "What's new" list no longer shows GitHub links

Version 1.5.0 · 19 April 2025

NewSee what's new in each version right on the start screen

Version 1.3.0 · 18 April 2025

NewThe sidebar shows which version of the game you are playing

Why Hold Short exists

For the people in the tower.

Every flight depends on someone you never see. Air traffic controllers guide aircraft on the ground and keep them apart in the air, day and night, so that everyone on board arrives safely. Hold Short is a game for people who love aviation, and a small thank-you to the people who keep it safe.

Dedicated to air traffic controllers everywhere.

SH8752 request IFR clearance to Monchengladbach Airport, ready to copy.

Somebody is calling the tower.

Answer the call