Santa’s Sleigh Hijacks Global Airspace As 2025’s Most Tracked Flight

In a delightful blend of myth and modernity, Santa Claus’s sleigh officially became the most tracked flight of 2025. On December 23, aviation enthusiasts spotted an unusual blip on Flightradar24—a craft labeled SLEI (Sleigh), cruising at 60,000 feet with a cheeky registration code “HOHOHO” and call sign R3DN053. The route? XMS to XMS—North Pole to North Pole.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Santa’s sleigh appeared on Flightradar24, drawing millions of viewers globally.  
• The sleigh was registered as HOHOHO with call sign R3DN053, cruising at supersonic speeds of 1,792 knots.  
• The flight path began in the South Pacific and swept across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  
• NORAD’s Santa Tracker, a tradition since 1955, once again monitored Santa’s journey in real time.  
• More than 100,000 children contacted NORAD to ask about Santa’s whereabouts.  
• The sleigh’s appearance on radar sparked viral excitement across social media and aviation forums.  
• Flightradar24 confirmed it was the most-followed flight globally, surpassing commercial jets and VIP movements.  
• The event showcased how technology can amplify festive traditions and engage global audiences.  

Santa’s sleigh has long been a symbol of holiday wonder, but in 2025, it became a digital spectacle. With NORAD’s legacy tracking and Flightradar24’s real-time data, the world didn’t just imagine Santa’s journey—they watched it unfold live. The fusion of folklore and flight data turned Christmas Eve into a global celebration of joy, curiosity, and connectivity.  

Sources: Flightradar24, NDTV, Indian Express, Economic Times