FAA Delay Codes Glossary

An FAA-imposed order that halts all departures to a specific airport due to severe conditions.

An FAA traffic management program that assigns specific departure times to flights heading to a congested airport.

Delays affecting inbound flights at an airport, typically measured as additional time beyond scheduled arrival.

Delays affecting outbound flights from an airport, measured as additional time beyond scheduled departure.

A complete shutdown of airport operations, halting all arrivals and departures.

FAA classifications indicating how weather conditions are affecting airport operations.

The FAA-assigned time when a flight is expected to receive clearance to depart during traffic management programs.

Flight delays caused by air traffic controller staffing shortages at airports or en route centers.

Delays caused by air traffic demand exceeding the airport's or airspace's capacity to handle flights.

Delays caused by failure or maintenance of critical airport or air traffic control equipment.

An FAA program that manages traffic through specific areas of airspace affected by weather or congestion.

A three-letter code assigned by the International Air Transport Association to identify airports worldwide.

A four-letter code assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization for air traffic control and flight planning.

The active runway arrangement at an airport, which determines arrival and departure capacity and rates.

An FAA-imposed restriction that temporarily limits or prohibits aircraft operations in specific airspace.

An ATC spacing requirement that mandates minimum distance between aircraft traveling to the same destination or through the same airspace.

A coordinated plan that reroutes air traffic around areas of severe weather affecting normal flight paths.

Official FAA notices alerting pilots to potential hazards, closures, or changes along flight routes or at airports.

A standardized aviation weather observation report providing current conditions at an airport.

A weather forecast specific to an airport, predicting conditions over the next 24-30 hours.

A predetermined flight path where aircraft circle while waiting for clearance to land.

A procedure where aircraft remain at the gate with passengers aboard to manage traffic flow or wait for better conditions.

When an aircraft lands at an airport other than its scheduled destination due to weather, emergencies, or operational issues.