What Is Flight Plan? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
A flight plan is the document filed before a flight with the planned route, altitude, speed, fuel and alternate airports.
In plain language
It is sent to air traffic control, which uses it to plan traffic. The airline’s dispatchers prepare it and the crew reviews it.
Example
The planned route between Karachi and Islamabad follows airways listed in the flight plan.
Why it matters
The flight plan is the blueprint of a flight: route, altitude and fuel. When airspace or weather changes, it is updated, which is why a flight may follow a different path from yesterday.