What Are Slots in Aircraft?

An aircraft slot is a time slot allocated for take-off or landing at an airport. It is a physical space that an airline has the right to use at a specific time, and is assigned by air traffic control.

Slots are regulated by international agreements, and are usually bought and sold by airlines.

The system of allocating slots is designed to make the best use of the available runway capacity, while ensuring that aircraft can take off and land safely. It also aims to minimize delays, and to provide some certainty for airlines when planning their operations.

In theory, any airline can apply for slots at any airport. In practice, however, the process is often more complicated.

Airlines may need to prove that they have a certain level of demand for flights to and from the airport in question, and they may also need to prove that they have the financial resources to operate those flights.

The process of allocating slots is subject to regular review, and the rules are occasionally revised. For example, in 2014 the European Union introduced a new rule that gives priority to airlines that make best use of their slots.

This is intended to encourage airlines to schedule their flights more efficiently, in order to reduce delays and disruption for other airlines.

What Are Slots in Aircraft?

Slots in aircraft refer to the time slot allocated for take-off or landing at an airport by air traffic control. It is a physical space that an airline has the right to use at a specific time which can be bought or sold by different airlines.

The main purpose of having slots is to make best use of available runway capacity while ensuring safety during take-off and landing procedures. Allocation of slots follows international agreements and regulations which are reviewed from time to time.