Three ways airports improve flight delays

Many airports around the world are applying AI, allocating smart gates and changing boarding methods to reduce flight delays.

Cutting a few minutes off flight time may not seem like much in theory, but it could save airlines money. It could also mean improved service for travelers. Arriving a few minutes early could mean the difference between catching or missing a connecting flight, reducing the domino effect of delays and making flights arrive on time. The measures airports are implementing could help make air travel more efficient in the future.

AI improves airport capacity

London’s Heathrow Airport is testing AI technology to improve air traffic management. Heathrow hopes to reduce flight delays by using ultra-high-definition cameras, advanced AI, and machine learning to replace human control systems when weather reduces visibility. This will make runway clearance more efficient and ensure the next flight arrives or departs on time.

Air traffic controllers test a screen that displays a real-time panoramic view of the runway and gate. Image: AFP/Getty Images

The technology is also being used at Eindhoven, Schiphol airports in the Netherlands and Berlin Brandenburg in Germany.

Smart port allocation

Major U.S. carriers continue to test new airport procedures during the holiday season. Last year, U.S. air travel was severely disrupted, leaving thousands of travelers stranded at airports.

American Airlines introduced new technology to allocate gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the world’s second-busiest airport. The automated system reduces the risk of planes being forced to move from side to side in the vast airport. The result is an average two-minute taxi savings per flight, or 11 hours a day. For passengers, it also means 50 percent fewer gate changes and fewer delays.

David Seymour, CEO of American Airlines, said last-minute gate changes when a plane arrives would cause delays to a range of ground services and aircraft during parking and takeoff.

Smart Gating is also being rolled out at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Miami International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In 2023, American Airlines will rank third among major U.S. airlines in on-time arrivals, up from fifth in 2022.

Faster boarding method

Carriers are also looking to reduce flight times by speeding up boarding. United Airlines introduced a new system for economy class, with window passengers boarding first, followed by middle passengers and finally aisle passengers.

United Airlines applies a new boarding method. Photo: Dailymail — United Airlines applies a new boarding method. Photo: *Dailymail*

“It spreads passengers out along the aisle so more people can stow their bags at the same time. It speeds up the boarding process,” explains Jason Steffen, an associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. United Airlines says the method can save two minutes per flight.

Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is experimenting with clearer signage and jingles in the aircraft's cockpit to help passengers move through more quickly. And low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is ditching the cockpit entirely in favor of stairs. According to the airline, those disembarking via stairs can use both doors instead of one. CEO Barry Biffle says this could save the airline up to 10 minutes.

These methods will help passengers reduce waiting time, the airport will be able to handle more planes and add more flights.

Chi Phu (According to Euronews, CNBC )

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