Ground Delay Program
An FAA traffic management program that assigns specific departure times to flights heading to a congested airport.
What is GDP?
A Ground Delay Program (GDP) is an FAA traffic management initiative used to control air traffic flow to airports where demand is expected to exceed capacity. Unlike ground stops, GDPs allow flights to depart but assign them specific departure times (called Estimated Departure Clearance Times or EDCTs) to ensure a manageable arrival rate at the destination airport. This spreads delays across multiple airports rather than creating airborne holding patterns near the destination.
Common Causes
- Weather reducing airport capacity
- High traffic volume exceeding runway capacity
- Construction or runway maintenance
- Equipment outages affecting arrivals
- ATC staffing shortages
Impact & Duration
Impact Level
Medium - Flights are delayed at their origin with assigned departure times, typically 30 minutes to 3 hours
Typical Duration
2-8 hours, with individual flight delays varying based on departure location
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a GDP different from a ground stop?
A GDP assigns specific departure times to manage traffic flow, while a ground stop completely halts all departures. GDPs allow flights to continue with controlled delays, while ground stops are more severe measures.
Why is my flight delayed if the weather is fine here?
GDPs affect flights based on their destination, not origin. Even if weather is clear at your departure airport, your flight may be delayed because conditions at your destination require reduced arrival rates.
Can my departure time change during a GDP?
Yes, your assigned departure time (EDCT) can be updated as conditions change at the destination airport. Times may improve or worsen as the FAA adjusts the program.
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