Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Get the free app no ads · no paywall

Explained in plain English

How do airports manage delays?

When an incident like a runway closure occurs, air traffic control and airport operations teams work together to manage the disruption. They reroute flights, adjust landing and take off slots, and communicate with airlines. The goal is to safely clear the incident and resume normal operations as quickly as possible, minimising the knock-on effect of delays.

Stories that explain this

Heathrow briefly shut one runway after a small grass fire broke out

Related explainers

Why are airport runways so long? Who deals with airport fires? Why are grass fires a problem? How do airports manage disruption? What causes airport delays? Who pays for airport delays? How do airlines manage risk? What are airport curfews?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under A →