It’s official: the Microsoft Flight Simulator development team will not be attending FlightSimExpo 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island this June. During their May 21 developer livestream, the team confirmed they’re staying grounded this year—not because they’ve lost their wings, but because they’re doubling down on what matters most right now: fixing and fine-tuning MSFS 2024.

After a bumpy takeoff with the latest version of the sim, the team acknowledged that community feedback and performance improvements must take priority over in-person appearances. As a result, they’ve opted out of the three-day expo, which runs from June 27–29, to focus on delivering the smooth, immersive sim experience users have come to expect.

But they’re not leaving the community empty-handed.

To mark the occasion—and soften the blow—Microsoft is releasing City Update 11 on June 27. This update brings a high-fidelity recreation of Providence, the host city of FlightSimExpo 2025, along with several other detailed northeastern U.S. cities. It’s a thoughtful nod to the event and a little something for everyone to enjoy—whether you're attending in person or flying the sim from your desktop.

While the absence of the MSFS team might leave a few empty seats, the event still boasts a packed hangar of excitement. Over 60 exhibitors are confirmed, including heavy hitters like PMDG, Orbx, iniBuilds, Navigraph, X-Plane, and Thrustmaster. 

So while Microsoft and Asobo won’t be in the expo hall this year, they’re still showing up—in the sim and in spirit.

Stay tuned to Sky Blue Radio for updates from the show floor, live interviews, and all the aviation action from Providence.