How do airplanes fly?

Airplanes fly by generating lift with their wings to overcome weight. An airplane wing (airfoil) is shaped and angled so that airflow over and under it produces a net upward force. Part of this lift arises because the wing deflects air downward; by Newton's 3rd law the reaction pushes the wing up. Aerodynamically, faster airflow over the curved top of the wing creates lower pressure above than below, which also contributes lift (Bernoulli effect). Engines provide thrust to move the plane forward. In steady flight, lift equals weight and thrust equals drag: the result is sustained flight. In short, wings carve through air to produce upward force, allowing the plane to stay aloft.