Quick Facts
- Type
- Operational Metric
- Definition
- The elapsed time between an aircraft's arrival at the gate and its departure ...
- Used By
- Airlines, Ground Handlers
Definition#
Turnaround time is the total time required to prepare an aircraft for the next departure after arrival. It includes deplaning, cleaning, catering, fueling, baggage handling, boarding, and pushback.
Why It Matters Operationally#
Faster turnarounds increase daily aircraft utilization. Low-cost carriers often target 25–35 minute turnarounds versus 45–60+ minutes for full-service carriers. Any delay in turnaround cascades through the schedule.
Related Guides#
Related Terms#
- baggage handling system
- block hour
- deicing
- dispatch reliability
- gate
- hub-and-spoke
- on-time performance
- point-to-point