Plain English Meaning

Aircraft that fly through an airport's controlled airspace without stopping there. They are just passing through on their way somewhere else.

Full Definition

Aircraft that pass through an airport's airspace or surface area without landing at or departing from that airport. In the context of ATC towers, overflights are aircraft transiting the tower's Class B, C, D, or E surface area while continuing on to a different destination.

Context Anchor

Seen in ATC tower discussions when a control tower handles aircraft arriving, departing, or passing through the airport area.

Derivation

From 'over' (above) + 'flight'. Literally an aircraft flying over an area without landing. The 'over' here means 'across' or 'through,' not just 'directly above.'