Airports: Adding Flights, Expanding Travel Options And Accessibility

Airports do not add new flight times, but airlines do. Airlines can add new routes or additional flights to existing routes, but these changes are usually announced months in advance. There are many factors that determine flight times, including airport regulations, passenger preferences, airline internal optimisation, and connections. Airlines are constantly looking for ways to save costs and improve efficiency, and even minor adjustments to flight times can result in significant savings.

Flight times are added/changed by airlines, not airports

While airports do have some control over flight times, it is the airlines that ultimately decide when their planes will arrive and depart.

Airports have certain restrictions that dictate when planes can come and go. For example, airport noise regulations mean that aircraft cannot depart or arrive too early or too late in the day. Additionally, some airports are not open 24 hours a day, which further limits the time frame in which flights can operate.

However, it is the airlines that decide on the specific times for their flights, taking into account various factors such as passenger preferences, competition from other airlines, connections with other flights, and internal optimisation.

For example, airlines often schedule their flights to depart and arrive at times that minimise the time lost by passengers, such as late at night or early in the morning. They also take into account the preferences of business travellers, who are often willing to pay more for flights that align with their schedules.

Airlines also consider the level of competition on a particular route when deciding on flight times. They may choose to schedule their flights at similar times to their competitors to target the same customers. This can result in multiple airlines offering flights within minutes of each other on the same route.

Furthermore, airlines continuously seek to optimise their operations and reduce costs. This can involve making small changes to flight times to improve efficiency, such as assigning gates more efficiently to avoid parking delays and cut taxiing time.

While airports play a role in dictating the time frame within which flights can operate, it is ultimately the airlines that decide on the specific flight times based on their own strategic considerations and customer demands.

Airlines may add new routes or change existing ones

When planning new routes, airlines consider factors such as demand, competitive positioning, operational feasibility, strategic value, and financial performance. They analyse passenger numbers, ticket prices, load capacity, and operational costs. For example, an airline might add a new route to accommodate increased demand during the summer holiday season.

Airlines also take into account the availability of aircraft and crew, as well as any capacity restrictions at congested airports. They might also be influenced by lobbying from tourism offices or local governments, who may offer incentives to attract new routes and boost tourism.

When deciding whether to add a new route, airlines conduct careful industry analysis, considering the number of potential passengers, competition, fleet size, and operational costs. For example, an airline wouldn't deploy a Boeing 777, with nearly 300 seats, on a new route that can only support 150 paying customers.

In addition to adding new routes, airlines can also increase the frequency of existing routes. For example, they might go from two flights a day to three, or from four flights a week to six. These changes are usually announced months in advance, as they can be complex, especially at busy airports.

On the other hand, airlines may also reduce the frequency of flights or eliminate routes altogether if demand decreases or if there are operational constraints.

Changes are usually announced months in advance

Changes to flight schedules are commonplace, and while they can be unpredictable, they are usually announced months in advance. This is because any change to a route will likely require changes to other routes, which can be quite complex, especially at busy airports.

Airlines typically adjust their schedules a few months or weeks before deciding whether to operate a flight, taking into account factors such as demand, equipment adjustments, and other operational considerations. For example, an airline might decide to decrease the frequency of flights to a particular destination or adjust flight departure times to optimize aircraft utilization.

In some cases, airlines may also add new routes or increase the frequency of existing ones, depending on demand and their predictions about future demand. However, these changes are also typically announced months in advance to allow for proper planning and adjustments.

It is worth noting that schedule changes can occur at any time, and it is always a good idea to periodically check your flight itineraries, especially as your travel date approaches. Additionally, signing up for notifications or using tools like ExpertFlyer or Flighty can help you stay informed about any changes to your flight schedule.

While schedule changes can be inconvenient, they also present opportunities. If a schedule change significantly impacts your itinerary, you may be able to get a refund or be rebooked on a different flight that better suits your needs. In some cases, you might even be able to upgrade to a better flight without paying any additional fees.

It is important to review the policies of the specific airline you are travelling with, as they may have different definitions of what constitutes a "significant" schedule change and the options available to passengers in such cases.

Airlines may change schedules to save costs

There are several reasons why airlines may change their schedules. One reason is to optimise their routes and increase profitability. For example, if an airline notices that a particular flight is not filling up, they may cancel that flight and rebook passengers on other flights. This allows them to reduce costs and maximise the number of passengers on each flight. Additionally, airlines may add or remove flights from their schedules, which can result in major changes for travellers.

Another reason for schedule changes is to accommodate fluctuations in demand. As travel demand increases during certain seasons, such as spring and summer, airlines may adjust their schedules to manage the increased number of flights, destinations, and travel times. Coordinating thousands of flights is a complex task, and airlines must ensure they have enough staff, including pilots and flight attendants, to cover all the flights.

It's important to note that schedule changes can also occur due to operational factors. For instance, an airline may switch to a newer or faster plane for a particular route, resulting in minor changes to departure or arrival times. Additionally, codeshare agreements, layovers, and weather delays can also impact an airline's schedule.

While schedule changes can be inconvenient, they can sometimes work in the traveller's favour. For example, if an airline significantly alters a flight schedule, passengers may be able to change to a different flight without incurring additional fees. In some cases, passengers may even be able to shift their flight a day earlier or later without any extra charges. Therefore, it's advisable for travellers to review their reservation periodically and contact the airline if they notice any significant changes to their itinerary.

Changes may be made to avoid airport congestion

Airports can become congested due to a combination of factors, including increased passenger traffic, limited infrastructure, and inefficient ground transportation systems. To alleviate congestion, airports can implement several strategies, including optimizing curbside management, improving traffic flow, and adopting new technologies.

One effective strategy is to improve the efficiency of curbside operations, including pick-up and drop-off areas. This can involve introducing access fees for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft, implementing dedicated TNC pickup areas, and providing remote drop-off options. These measures not only reduce congestion but also generate additional revenue for airports.

Another strategy is to improve traffic flow on highways, access roads, and curbsides surrounding the airport. This can be achieved through the use of geofencing technology, which accurately captures TNC usage and helps monitor traffic patterns. Additionally, the implementation of express curbsides and shuttle services can streamline passenger movement and reduce bottlenecks.

Adopting digital solutions and smart technologies is also crucial in mitigating airport congestion. For example, smart cameras and video telematics can optimize parking and curbside management by monitoring traffic density, vehicle wait times, and parking lot management. These technologies provide real-time insights that can inform decisions about physical improvements, such as widening roadways or constructing additional curbside levels.

Furthermore, remote baggage check-in and off-airport baggage drop services can also alleviate congestion within the airport terminal. By providing passengers with the option to check in their baggage at remote locations or off-airport sites, airports can reduce the volume of people and luggage within the terminal, improving overall efficiency.

By implementing these strategies, airports can effectively manage congestion, enhance the passenger experience, and optimize their operations to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.

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