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VATSIM Announces Record Traffic During Cross the Pond 2026
By Aleksei Volkov · · 2 min read
VATSIM's Cross the Pond event saw a record 3,200 simultaneous connections, with over 1,500 aircraft crossing the Atlantic. The event highlighted the network's capacity and the community's dedication to realistic operations.
VATSIM has reported record-breaking participation for its bi-annual Cross the Pond event, held on October 17, 2026. The network peaked at 3,200 simultaneous connections, with 1,542 aircraft completing oceanic crossings between North America and Europe. The event featured full ATC coverage from departure to arrival, including Oceanic and Shanwick control.
Pilots flew a variety of aircraft, from the PMDG 747-8 and iniBuilds A310 to the FlyByWire A32NX. The most popular route was KJFK to EGLL, with 187 aircraft. ATC frequencies were staffed by over 400 controllers, who managed the flow with realistic separation and clearances. The event also saw the debut of VATSIM's new Oceanic clearance delivery system, which reduced workload for both pilots and controllers.
Despite the high traffic, the network remained stable, with no major outages reported. VATSIM's tech team had upgraded servers in anticipation of the event. The community praised the professionalism of the controllers and the realism of the operations. Screenshots and videos flooded social media, showcasing stunning visuals from MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 12.
Cross the Pond continues to be a highlight of the flight simulation calendar, demonstrating the vibrant community and the capabilities of modern networks. VATSIM's next major event, WorldFlight 2026, is scheduled for November, promising another round of intense traffic and camaraderie. For those who missed it, recordings are available on VATSIM's YouTube channel.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, event, community, ATC