April was a productive month for the Microsoft Flight Simulator freeware community. From a brand-new general aviation aircraft built entirely from scratch to a pair of crafted Syrian airports, a UK regional hub, and a handful of charming smaller fields, we saw a strong wave of quality releases. Here's a look at the standout add-ons that caught attention this past month — and why they deserve a place in your community folder.
Syria: OSDI Damascus & OSAP Aleppo by Syria SIM
One of the most noteworthy stories of April belongs to the Syria SIM team, who released not one but two airports covering Syria's primary international gateways: Damascus International (OSDI) and Aleppo International (OSAP).
Damascus (OSDI) was the first out of the gate in mid-April, presenting what the developers describe as a major reconstruction of Syria's busiest airport. The main terminal has been completely rebuilt from the ground up to match real-world architecture, accompanied by a full overhaul of ground textures, taxiway and runway markings, and runway elevation corrections that address the notorious "runway bump" that can plague simulator airport add-ons. The airport is now at version 1.8, having received multiple updates through the end of April and into May, with each iteration bringing refinements such as improved jetway texturing, high-fidelity apron textures, and corrected parking orientations.
Aleppo (OSAP) followed shortly after and has tracked a similarly active development path. The airport has been rebuilt with custom terminal geometry, 4K textures, and a high-fidelity ground marking overhaul. Version 1.5, released in late April, introduced animated default jetways, a vehicle circulation network ensuring service vehicles no longer wander across taxiways and grass areas, and missing gate configurations for more accurate AI traffic assignments. Both the animated and a static jetway version are offered — the developer is clear that only one should be installed at a time. A GSX Pro profile created by community member GeorgS is also available separately.
Together, these two airports open up a rarely covered part of the world and offer a level of detail that puts many freeware — and indeed some commercial — releases to shame. If you're interested in Middle Eastern routes or simply want to explore a part of the world that MSFS largely leaves underdeveloped by default, both airports are well worth the download. If you enjoy the Syria SIM team's work, their PayPal donation link is available on their profile page.
➡️ Available: OSDI – Damascus International Airport
➡️ Available: OSAP – Aleppo International Airport
I.C.P. Savannah S by bagolu
For those who prefer flying something a little more grounded — literally — April also brought a full, from-scratch recreation of the I.C.P. Savannah S light sport aircraft by prolific freeware creator bagolu. The Savannah S is a real-world Italian ultralight/LSA produced by I.C.P. S.r.l., powered by the widely respected Rotax 912 ULS/IS engine, and popular at aeroclubs across Europe. It's not a household name in the simulator world, which makes this release particularly welcome.
Built natively for MSFS 2020 and functioning as a legacy port in MSFS 2024, the aircraft was modelled using the official POH and technical blueprints. The result is a single aircraft variant with 20 liveries based on real-world examples from around the world. What sets this release apart is the depth of its systems modelling for a freeware product: an in-cockpit interactive manual and configuration book allow you to personalise instrument choices (including compatibility with TDS GTN750, PMS50, and KLN90b mods), manage chocks and tie-downs, load baggage, and even select from multiple autopilot options depending on your chosen GPS. There's also a pitot cover to remove before departure — forget it and you'll notice.
The community reception has been overwhelmingly positive, scoring a perfect 5.0 across 20 reviews. Real-world Savannah pilots have chimed in to say the model accurately captures the feel of the aircraft. At 493 MB and with the polish of a seasoned creator behind it, this one punches well above its price tag of zero. Consider sending bagolu a donation via PayPal to support further development — they have an impressive catalogue worth exploring.
➡️ Available: I.C.P. Savannah S
123flightSOUND by DLH2451
Not every noteworthy April release is an airport or aircraft. 123flightSOUND is a utility application that addresses something many simmers quietly accept as a gap in the default experience: the eerie silence of an otherwise empty cabin. Version 3.0, initially released on April 24th, introduced SimConnect integration that fully automates cabin announcements — boarding, safety briefing, takeoff, service, and landing — triggered by your actual flight status rather than manual button presses. By v3.5, released just days later, the tool gained a VR-compatible in-game toolbar panel, meaning you can control it directly from within the simulator without alt-tabbing to a desktop window.
The core feature set includes dynamic ambient cabin loops, a professional PA system with high-quality announcements, and a mixing interface for balancing cabin audio against engine sounds. Language support already includes English (with separate US and GB profiles following a community request), German, and French, with more additions underway. The source code is publicly available on GitHub, and the developer has been notably responsive to community feedback, pushing multiple updates within the first two weeks of release. Over 2,000 downloads and a 4.8 rating across 18 reviews in roughly three weeks reflects how quickly it found an audience.
For airliner simmers who want more atmosphere without buying a dedicated cabin sound suite, this is a practical and polished solution. As a freeware open-source release, donating to the developer via their PayPal is a great way to keep the momentum going.
➡️ Available: 123flightSOUND
EGHI – Southampton International Airport by MatelotCrab
Southampton International Airport (EGHI) is one of those UK regional airports that serves a loyal base of real-world travellers and has historically been under-represented in the simulator add-on market. MatelotCrab's freeware release — their second project on the platform — aims to fix that, offering a rebuilt airport for MSFS 2024 using the latest available charts and an approach informed by genuine real-world familiarity with the airport's operations.
The release covers fully reworked aprons and stand layouts, an extended runway, a custom terminal building, updated ground markings and taxi routing, and surface textures that intentionally reflect the "mature" — the developer's word — character of Southampton's aged taxiways and runway surfaces. Lighting has been adjusted for consistent day and night use, and geometry has been optimised with performance in mind. Notably, the creator has also added a Spitfire model on the roundabout near the airport entrance.
It is declared a work in progress — there's currently no perimeter fencing, and groundside detailing is still to come — but the airport is operationally usable and has earned a perfect 5.0 from its initial reviewers. Note that the UK2000 Asset Pack is a required dependency, along with several other object libraries listed in the add-on page. Photogrammetry on or off, both are supported. If you regularly fly UK regional routes or simply want a well-crafted South of England hub to depart from, Southampton is worth checking out. As a freeware project with ongoing development, a PayPal donation via the creator's profile would go a long way.
➡️ Available: EGHI – Southampton International Airport
KDLH – Duluth International Airport (2024 Edition) by MNSceneryDesign
Duluth International Airport (KDLH) sits on the western tip of Lake Superior in Minnesota, and MNSceneryDesign — a creator with a solid body of work focused on the Upper Midwest — has released version 3.0 as a dedicated MSFS 2024 build. The airport has a fascinating history stretching back to 1930, passing through World War II military training use and National Guard operations before growing into the regional hub it is today, currently undergoing a major real-world update including taxiway improvements and a planned replacement control tower.
This version takes specific advantage of MSFS 2024's updated lighting model, providing better colour temperature control across all models. Every structure from the 2020 version has been reworked to accommodate the new lighting system, and Levels of Detail (LODs) have been implemented throughout to prevent buildings from popping in and out at distance. The source data is largely from Google Earth, with 2D imagery current to October 2025. The developer is transparent that taxiway signage and markings haven't been fully verified for accuracy.
Installation requires four separate files including library dependencies, so read the instructions carefully before dropping things into your community folder. At just 83 MB total, it's a lightweight addition to the Great Lakes region. If you fly the northern US or want to explore the Lake Superior shoreline, Duluth is a compelling base. Consider supporting MNSceneryDesign, who has contributed numerous Minnesota airports to the community as freeware, via a donation if you find the work valuable.
➡️ Available: KDLH – Duluth International Airport
56S – Seaside Municipal Airport by Garciamk
Rounding out April's highlights is a small but carefully crafted release from Garciamk: Seaside Municipal Airport (56S) on the Oregon coast. This isn't an international hub or a well-known landmark destination — it's exactly the kind of quiet, everyday airfield that gives general aviation flying in MSFS its character. The airport sits just inland from the Pacific shoreline, surrounded by trees, small roads, and local buildings, and the developer's description captures the appeal well: it's the kind of place you might fly over without a second thought, but once you drop in, the details start to reveal themselves.
The scenery is built around atmosphere as much as accuracy. Static vintage aircraft, animated human figures near the back dock, a windsock, fuel pump, and small character details like a canopy for spectators and a Piper Cub parked on the tarmac all contribute to a lived-in feel. The most recent update (v1.2.1, pushed in late April) added eight properly connected spawnable parking spots, new static aircraft from the Vintage Aircraft Collection library, and a relocated fuel pump after the creator cheerfully admitted they discovered its old position was completely blocked by a parked plane. A hotfix for runway start positions was also quietly pushed in May.
Several library dependencies are required for the full experience, so check the add-on page before installing. At under 60 MB, it's a minimal footprint for a flight that community members suggest pairing with a run down the coast to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Bush flying, short field practice, or simply a scenic coastal departure — 56S delivers a slice of the Pacific Northwest that default MSFS never quite captures. If you enjoy this kind of regional, detail-focused freeware work, a PayPal tip to Garciamk is a fine way to say thanks.
➡️ Available: 56S – Seaside Municipal Airport
These seven add-ons are just a taste of what April 2026 had to offer — and the community delivered plenty more beyond what's covered here. If you want to keep exploring, the selection of this month's top picks is available in the 👉 Top Picks – April 2026 collection right here on Flightsim.to.