Crossword Genius

Publish routes used in flights (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airways

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in flights' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'publish routes' is the wordplay.
'publish' becomes 'air' (I've seen this before).
'routes' becomes 'ways' (I've seen this in another clue).
'air'+'ways'='AIRWAYS'

'used' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for airways that I've seen before include "travel company" , "Radio channels" , "Things fly along here" , "Ventilation passages" , "Inspiring passages" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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