Term

gate

Daniel MarkFounder & Editor, Aviatopia
Published Mar 1, 2026Updated Mar 1, 20261 min read

A designated position at an airport terminal where aircraft park for passenger boarding and deplaning, connected by a jet bridge or accessed by stairs.

aviation-glossary

Quick Facts

Type
Airport Infrastructure
Definition
A designated position at an airport terminal where aircraft park for passenge...
Used By
Airlines, Passengers

Definition#

A gate is a designated aircraft parking position at a terminal building, equipped with a jet bridge (or remote stand with stairs/bus access) for passenger boarding and deplaning. Gate assignments are managed by the airport or airline.

Why It Matters Operationally#

Gate availability directly constrains airport throughput. Gate conflicts and shortages cause ground delays. Gate-turn time (time between aircraft arrival and next departure at the same gate) is a critical scheduling parameter.

See Also

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