FAA Delay Codes
Complete guide to FAA airport delay codes and terminology
Ground Delay Program
DelaysA traffic management initiative where aircraft are held at their departure airports to manage congestion at the arrival airport.
Ground Stop
DelaysA complete halt of all departures to a specific airport, typically due to weather, equipment failure, or volume.
Airspace Flow Program
DelaysA traffic management initiative that manages the flow of aircraft through a constrained area of airspace.
Expect Departure Clearance Time
DelaysThe time a flight is expected to receive departure clearance, used during ground delay programs.
Collaborative Trajectory Options Program
OperationsAllows airlines to choose from multiple route options when airspace is constrained.
Miles-in-Trail
OperationsSpacing restrictions requiring minimum distance between aircraft on the same route.
Approval Request
OperationsA procedure requiring controllers to call for specific departure time approval.
Aviation Weather Report
WeatherStandard format for reporting weather observations at airports, updated hourly or more frequently.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
WeatherWeather forecast specific to an airport area, covering a 24-30 hour period.
Notice to Air Missions
OperationsA notice containing information about hazards, changes, or conditions at an airport or in airspace.
International Air Transport Association
OrganizationsOrganization that assigns 3-letter airport codes (e.g., LAX, JFK) and 2-letter airline codes.
International Civil Aviation Organization
OrganizationsUN agency that assigns 4-letter airport codes (e.g., KLAX, KJFK) and 3-letter airline codes.
Customs and Border Protection
OrganizationsUS federal agency responsible for customs, immigration, and border security at ports of entry.
Transportation Security Administration
OrganizationsUS federal agency responsible for airport security screening of passengers and baggage.
Federal Aviation Administration
OrganizationsUS government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation and managing national airspace.
Air Traffic Control
OperationsService that manages aircraft movement on the ground and in the air to prevent collisions.