CODA Digest
Delays to Air Transport in Europe – Annual 2013
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
FOREWORD
This report gives an overview of the delay situation in the European Civil Aviation Conference Area. This report has been prepared by
the Central Office for Delay Analysis (CODA), a service of EUROCONTROL. It is based on the EUROCONTROL CODA database
which contains delay data provided directly by airlines.
The report consists of an overview of the reporting period, a summary of the main delay effects, and a series of charts and graphics,
which illustrate the main characteristics of the reporting period. A glossary of terms and abbreviations used throughout the report is
given in Annex Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations.
Airline data from the CODA database contains real recorded delays provided to CODA by airlines and is based on the difference
between scheduled time of departure and actual off block time.
ATFM delays reported by airlines may be lower than the NM calculated ATFM delays due to difference in methods: ATFM delays of
NM are the (flight) planned “delays”; the airlines report the “actual” experienced ATFM delay on departure. For instance, a flight with
an ATFM delay may also have a handling delay absorbed within the ATFM delay. For the airline, a part of this delay is the ATFM
delay and the rest is the handling delay.
This report discusses delays from all-causes; for information regarding AFTM delays see the complementary reports available at
http://www.eurocontrol.int/articles/network-operations-monitoring-and-reporting
Table of Contents
1.
Headlines and Monthly Events Overview. ................................................................................................................ 3
2.
CODA Scheduling Indicators ..................................................................................................................................... 6
3.
CODA Reactionary Delay Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 7
4.
Average Delay per Flight for Departures .................................................................................................................. 8
5.
NM versus Aircraft Operator experience of Delay ................................................................................................... 9
6.
Average delay per Flight by Hour............................................................................................................................ 10
7.
Average Delay per Delayed Flight >5 Minutes ....................................................................................................... 11
8.
Distribution of All Flights by Length of Delay (Punctuality) ................................................................................. 12
9.
Average Delay per Flight for Arrivals...................................................................................................................... 13
10.
Top 20 Affected Departure Airports ........................................................................................................................ 14
11.
Top 20 Affected Arrival Airports.............................................................................................................................. 15
12.
Top 20 Most Delayed Airport Pairs ......................................................................................................................... 16
13.
Year-on-Year Trends in All-Causes Delay Indicators ............................................................................................ 17
A.
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................................... 18
B.
CODA Delay Groupings............................................................................................................................................ 19
C.
Correlation between IATA Codes and the NM Regulation Codes ........................................................................ 20
D.
Standard IATA Delay Codes (AHM730) ................................................................................................................... 21
E.
Standard IATA Delay Sub-Codes (AHM731) ........................................................................................................... 23
F.
CODA Coverage Of Commercial Flights in the ECAC Region ............................................................................. 24
© 2014 European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)
This document is published by EUROCONTROL for information purposes. It may be copied in whole or in part provided that
EUROCONTROL is mentioned as the source and to the extent justified by the non-commercial use (not for sale). The information in
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The use of this document is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. EUROCONTROL expressly disclaims any and all warranties with
respect to any content within the document, express or implied.
Central Office for Delay Analysis
EUROCONTROL
96 Rue de la Fusée
B - 1130 Brussels
The Central Office for Delay Analysis (CODA) is ISO 9001:2008 certified.
Tel: + 32-2 729 33 91
Fax : + 32-2 729 90 04
E-Mail : [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.eurocontrol.int/coda
Date of publication of this issue: 04/03/2014
EUROCONTROL
1
CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
1.
Annual 2013
Headlines and Monthly Events Overview.
In 2013 data from airlines describing delays from all-causes (Figure 3) showed an average delay per flight (ADM) of
9 minutes, this was a similar figure to that observed in 2012. 36.1% of flights were delayed on departure (>=5
minutes) this was an increase of 0.6 points in comparison to 2012.
January 2013 saw weather delays mainly from high winds, snow and related low visibility. Particularly at
Amsterdam, London Heathrow & Gatwick, Geneva, Paris CDG & Orly, Düsseldorf, Munich, Vienna and Madrid
Barajas airports. Frankfurt was affected by snow and freezing rain with this airport seeing significant delays
particularly on the 20 and 21 January. Industrial action in France occurred on the 30 January 2013. Istanbul Ataturk
experienced delays following reduced capacity from runway configuration as a result of wind direction restricting the
optimum runway usage.
Despite the overall reduction in all-causes delay during February 2013, Istanbul Ataturk experienced delays
following reduced capacity from runway configuration as a result of wind direction restricting the optimum runway
usage. Seasonal weather delays mainly from high winds, snow and related low visibility were observed particularly
at Amsterdam, London Heathrow and Gatwick, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Paris CDG and Brussels. Geneva saw
an increase in ski traffic particularly on Saturdays; the airport was also affected by delays following snow and
capacity delays.
In March 2013 the delay situation worsened, Paris CDG, Paris Orly, Berlin Tegel, Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich,
Vienna, and London Gatwick airports were affected by weather with low visibility, fog, high wind and snow issues.
London Heathrow airport experienced particularly high delays in March due to strong winds, fog and low visibility
London Heathrow airport experienced high delays in April 2013 due to strong winds, where Oslo, Amsterdam and
Rome Airports suffered from fog and low visibility. Airline industrial action in Germany on 22 April caused the
cancellation of an estimated 1,630 flights.
In May 2013 London Heathrow, Zurich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Vienna and Amsterdam airports experienced delays
due to weather particularly high winds and thunderstorms. On Friday 24 May London Heathrow recorded high
delays due to an emergency landing. Delays at Rome Fiumicino were noted as a result of runway works in
progress. The Champions League football final was in London (25 May) with Stansted seeing increases in traffic.
In June 2013, Paris CDG, Orly, Frankfurt and Munich airports experienced delays especially due to weather
(thunderstorms). Industrial actions occurred in France (11-13 June), Greece (13 June) and Portugal (27 June).
Rome Fiumicino (8 June) and London/Heathrow (29 June) suffered from aircraft incidents and resultant delays.
Thunderstorms caused high delays at Frankfurt, London Heathrow and Zurich airports in July 2013. London
Heathrow also suffered from high delay after an aircraft incident on Friday July 12.
During August 2013 London Heathrow, Palma and Zurich airports experienced seasonal weather (thunderstorms
and winds) related delays. Brussels airport saw works in progress on one runway between (01/08/2013 –
24/08/2013) with delays noted on the 2 August. Runway works in progress at Prague airport (13/07/201330/09/2013) caused small amounts of delay.
In September 2013, London Heathrow and Amsterdam airports were both affected by fog and strong winds,
Amsterdam also suffered from thunderstorms. Industrial action in France on 10 September and seasonal weather
(thunderstorms and high winds) throughout the month caused delays at Paris Orly airport. Dusseldorf and Palma de
Mallorca airports suffered from aircraft incidents. On 28 September there were single runway operations at London
Heathrow due to fire on the approach.
London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, Paris Orly and CDG airports were affected by strong winds, fog,
low visibility, and the St Jude storm on 27 & 28 October 2013. The eruption of Mount Etna (26 October 2013)
caused disruptions at Catania Airport.
November 2013 showed seasonal weather delays (high winds, low visibility, rain and light snow) at London
Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Vienna. There was a small industrial action in France on the 26th November
with delays in Brest, Reims and Paris ACC’s being observed.
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
Approximately 20% of flights were cancelled due to technical problems with the VCS telephone system of London
ACC (7 December 2013) and the low visibility on December 11. London Gatwick suffered from power supply
problems affecting the Instrument Landing System and airfield lighting on the 24th December. At Dusseldorf airport
a bomb disposal caused disruption on the 12th December. Weather also affected airports during the month,
predominantly at London Heathrow, Geneva and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Industrial action in France between 9 and 13 December affected Paris and Reims ACCs generating en-route delays.
Figure 1. Total Departures per day in ESRA08
In 2013 traffic slightly increased: there were 2.2% more flights per day in the EUROCONTROL Statistical
Reference Area (ESRA08) than in 2012.
Figure 2. Long Departures Delay >60 minutes (2012 vs 2013)
In comparison to 2012, last year showed a small decreases for flights delayed greater than 60 minutes during
each month except for January (+1.8%) and June 2013 (+1.2%). Flights delayed by more than 120 minutes (2
hours) also showed an increase to 1.45% in June 2013 following weather disruptions. December 2013 saw the
percentage of flights delayed greater than 60 minutes from all-causes fall from 4.7% to 4.1% when compared to
December 2012. Although a decrease this was a continuation in the trend of higher December delays.
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
Figure 3. Primary Delay Causes 2013 vs. 2012
2013 saw a small decrease in the average delay per flight to 9.3 minutes for delay all-causes. Further
analysis of the delay reasons shows that reactionary delays decreased by 0.1 minutes to 4.1 minutes per
fight. Airline-related delays remained at 2.8 minutes per flight. Besides other weather with a small increase
of 0.1, the remaining causes all saw small decreases or remained at stable levels when compared to 2012.
En-route ATFCM decreased by 0.1 points in 2013.
Figure 5. ATFCM Share of All-Causes Primary Delay
Figure 4. Primary delay causes, 2013 vs. 2012
Primary Delays remained at similar levels when
compared to 2012. ATFCM totals fell by 0.1 points,
weather saw a slight increase (of 0.1 points) following
the delays observed throughout the year.
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The history of the ATFCM proportion of primary
delay, shows a significant drop of the en-route share
during Q2 (-10.4%) and Q3 (-4%) 2013 when
compared to 2012. The Q1 2013 share was 3.3%
which is the lowest share noted since 2009.
CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
2. CODA Scheduling Indicators
Scheduling correctly is a difficult art: if too long a time is blocked for a flight, the airline will not be able to make
best use of resources - staff, airframes, infrastructure. But too short a time can arguably be worse as late flights
generate rotational delay with late incoming aircraft and passengers from previous flights having to be
accommodated. When flights leave on time but arrive after the scheduled time of arrival they cause reactionary
delays. Schedule padding is essential for air carriers in order to find schedules which work with the typical
patterns of delay, so that they can deliver passengers on time, and get maximum use out of their aircraft.
Consequently when delays decrease it takes one or two (IATA) seasons for the airline to adapt its schedule
accordingly. As a general rule flights with a BTO of >40% are likely to generate arrival delays and flights with a
BTO <20% will arrive significantly ahead of schedule.
Two CODA scheduling indicators help airline schedulers determine the optimal schedule based on historical flight
data:
The Block Time Overshoot (BTO) or the percentage of flights with an actual block time which exceeds the
scheduled block time. The European BTO in 2013 was 28%, this was a decrease in comparison to 2012 of 1.8
points.
The Delay Difference Indicator - Flight (DDI-F) or the difference between departure and arrival punctuality
expressed in minutes. This can be indicated as a positive or negative figure, for example a flight departing with 20
minutes delay and arriving with 30 minutes arrival delay will have a DDI-F of +10 minutes. The European DDI-F in
2013 was -3.6 minutes, this was an increase of 0.4 minutes per flight when compared to 2012. In 2013 the DDI-F
was -3.7 minutes, an increase of 0.2 minutes. The DDI-F was more than -4 minutes per flight in July, August (as
in 2012) and November.
Figure 6. Block Time Overshoot (BTO) and Delay Difference Indicator - Flight (DDI-F) 2013 vs. 2012
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
3. CODA Reactionary Delay Analysis
Reactionary delays are generated as a result of an aircraft’s late arrival from a previous flight which in turn affects
the punctuality of its next flight with the same aircraft as well as potentially delaying connecting passengers. See
Annex D for an overview of the IATA reactionary delay codes. Subsequently there are two types of reactionary
delays: firstly as a result of the same aircraft being delayed on its next flight (rotational delay) and secondly when
another aircraft is delayed as a result of another aircraft typically through passengers, crew and load connection
(non-rotational delays).
Reactionary delays are particually important to an individual airline’s operational performance as an aircraft
operating behind schedule may affect other flights of the airline as well as the overall European network.
This section concentrates on IATA delay code 93-RA rotational delays, as these have a significant share of
overall reactionary delays (approximately 90%) and the largest effect on network performance and passenger
experience.
Using enriched CODA data on intra-European flights we are able to match the aircraft registration to callsigns
and link individual aircraft rotations by day. To build the sequence the aircraft are grouped by their individual
registrations, then by their actual reported off block times. Following that, the arrival airport from one flight and the
departure airport of the next leg is also matched. The sequence is ended when the scheduled ground time
exceeds a pre-set limit dependent on the aircraft seat capacity. In this new section of the Digest we are initially
analysing the depth of the scheduled flight sequence meaning the number of flights operated per sequence.
Further to this analysis we will also analyse the share of rotational delay minutes and their contribution to the
average delay per flight for all-causes.
In Figure 7 analysis shows that the median number of scheduled flights per sequence for an aircraft is 4.
However in the IATA winter season (November to March) the median falls to 3, as fewer flights may be
scheduled during this period. The share of reactionary delay remained at a stable level 2013 when compared to
that of 2012, with a slight fall during the winter season below 40% when schedules have a little more flexibility
from reduced flying programmes to recover from reactionary delays.
Figure 7. Median Scheduled Flight Sequence Depth and Share of Reactionary Departure Delay on Intra European
Flights 2012 – 2013
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Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
4. Average Delay per Flight for Departures
In 2013 the average delay per flight from all causes of delay remained at a stable level when compared to
2012. The average delay per delayed flight (ADD) decreased to 26.7 minutes from 27 minutes. 36% of
flights were delayed on departure (>=5 minutes) a slight increase of 0.6 points when compared to 2012.
Figure 9. Average delay per flight (All-Causes) for
Departures
Figure 10. Average delay per flight (All-Causes) for
Departures
Figure 11. Percentage of Delayed Flights (All-Causes) for Departures >=5 minutes
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
5. NM versus Aircraft Operator experience of Delay
Figure 12. Breakdown of Average Delay per Flight (Network Manager vs. Aircraft Operator)
This section presents the air transport delay situation as seen from the airlines and passengers viewpoint (the
difference between the scheduled time of departure and the actual time of departure from the gate). Data
coverage is 69% of commercial flights in the ECAC region for 2013.
ATFM delays reported by airlines may be lower than the NM calculated ATFM delays due to difference in
methods: ATFM delays of NM are the (flight) planned “delays” expressed as a restriction; the airlines report the
“actual” experienced ATFM delay on departure. For instance, a flight with an ATFM restriction may also have a
handling delay absorbed within the ATFM restriction. For the airline, a part of this delay is the ATFM delay and
the rest is the handling delay.
Further analysis of airline data and the graph in figure 10 shows that the average en-route ATFM delay from allcauses was 0.4 minutes per flight. This was slightly below the NM reported average en-route ATFM delay of 0.5
minutes per flight.
According to airline reports, primary delays (eg. passenger and ramp handling delays) counted for 56% (5.2
min/flt) of which (0.4 min/flt) is attributed to en-route ATFM restrictions, with reactionary delays representing the
remaining share of 44% share at (4.1 min/flt).
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
6. Average Delay per Flight by Hour
Figure 13 . Breakdown of the Average Delay per Flight by Hour of The Day 2013 vs. 2012
During the first rotation phase between 0300-0900 UTC Figure 13 shows the airline related delay share
remaining around 35% in 2013 and around 30% until 1400 UTC. However at the end of the operational day
reactionary delay share remained just below 60% in 2013 when compared to 2012 where it peaked at 60%
after 2000 UTC.
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
7.
Annual 2013
Average Delay per Delayed Flight >=5 Minutes
Figure 14 . ADD vs. PDF on Departure
Figure 15 . ADD vs. PDF on Arrival
The average delay per delayed flight on departure (ADD) in 2013 was 26.7 minutes, a decrease of 0.8 minutes
compared to 2012. In 2013 the percentage of delayed flights (PDF) on departure increased from 35.5% to 36.1%,
when compared to 2012. Regarding arrivals, the average delay per delayed arrival in 2013 was 28.3 minutes (vs.
28.5 minutes per flight in 2012). The percentage of delayed flights (PDF) on arrival decreased from 34.5% to 33.6%,
when compared to 2012.
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
8.
Annual 2013
Distribution of All Flights by Length of Delay (Punctuality)
Punctuality in 2013 remained at a stable level compared to 2012. Flights delayed between the 5-15 minutes window
increased by 0.6 points where the flights departing between 5 and 15 minutes before STD decreased by 0.6
percentage points.
Figure 16 . All-Causes Departure and Arrival Punctuality 2013 vs. 2012
The arrival punctuality figures are also similar to 2012 : 26% of flights arrived on time within the 5 minute
threshold before or after the scheduled arrival time. Flights arriving >15 minutes ahead of schedule
increased to 10.5% (+0.3%), this was a trend observed throughout 2013 which can have an effect on
airport arrival delays.
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
9.
Annual 2013
Average Delay per Flight for Arrivals
The average delay per flight on arrival from all causes decreased to 9 minutes per flight in 2013. The
average delay per delayed flight was 28.3 minutes. The percentage of delayed flights decreased by 0.8
percentage points to 33.7% in comparison to 2012.
Figure 17. Average delay per flight (AllCauses) for Arrivals
Figure 18. Average delay per flight (All-Causes) for
Arrivals
Figure 19. Percentage of Delayed Flights (All-Causes) for Arrivals
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
10.
Annual 2013
Top 20 Affected Departure Airports
Figure 20. All-Causes Delay. Top 20 Affected Departure Airports 2013
Rank
Departure Airport
ICAO Code
Average
delay per
departure
(mins)
Average
Delay per
Flight
Percentage
Change
Average
Delay per
Delayed
Departure
Percentage
Delayed
Departures
1
LISBOA
LPPT
14.6
-11%
30.3
48.2%
2
LONDON/HEATHROW
EGLL
13.1
5%
26.5
49.5%
3
LONDON/GATWICK
EGKK
12.8
7%
27.8
46.1%
4
ROME FIUMICINO
LIRF
12.6
23%
23.0
54.7%
5
MANCHESTER
EGCC
12.6
-8%
29.5
42.5%
6
LFPG
12.2
7%
25.2
48.2%
7
PARIS CH DE
GAULLE
PARIS ORLY
LFPO
11.5
19%
24.8
46.5%
8
VENEZIA TESSERA
LIPZ
11.3
16%
31.0
36.5%
9
LONDON/LUTON
EGGW
10.8
-8%
27.5
39.2%
10
LEPA
10.5
-3%
28.9
36.4%
11
PALMA DE
MALLORCA
ALICANTE
LEAL
10.4
-11%
28.7
36.1%
12
MILANO MALPENSA
LIMC
10.3
8%
27.7
37.2%
13
BIRMINGHAM
EGBB
10.2
7%
27.3
37.4%
14
NICE
LFMN
10.2
4%
26.1
39.0%
15
ANTALYA
LTAI
10.0
-18%
29.8
33.7%
16
ZURICH
LSZH
9.8
-2%
19.0
51.4%
17
EBBR
9.8
10%
24.2
40.3%
18
BRUSSELS
NATIONAL
GENEVE COINTRIN
LSGG
9.7
10%
26.3
36.8%
19
DUESSELDORF
EDDL
9.5
11%
24.1
39.6%
20
MALAGA
LEMG
9.5
-18%
27.8
34.2%
Analysis of the Top 20 Affected Airports on departure shows that Lisbon Airport ranked the highest with an
average delay per flight of 14.6 minutes in 2013, this was however a fall in the average delay per flight of
11%. Rome Fiumicino and Paris Orly noted increases of 23% and 19% respectively increase for 2013.
London Heathrow weather arrival restrictions had a knock on effect to departure delays.
Figure 21. Main delay causes at the top 10 affected departure airports
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Annual 2013
11. Top 20 Affected Arrival Airports
Figure 22. All-Causes Delay. Top 20 Affected Arrival Airports 2013
Rank
Arrival Airport
ICAO
Code
Average
delay
per
Flight
(mins)
1
LONDON/HEATHROW
EGLL
2
LISBOA
LPPT
3
LONDON/GATWICK
4
MANCHESTER
Average
Delay per
Flight
Percentage
Change
Average
Delay
per
delayed
arrival
Percentage
delayed
arrivals
14.1
10%
33.0
42.8%
13.7
-19%
32.2
42.5%
EGKK
12.9
0%
36.7
35.0%
EGCC
12.3
-11%
35.5
34.5%
5
STAVANGER/SOLA
ENZV
10.9
52%
36.1
30.2%
6
OSLO/GARDERMOEN
ENGM
10.8
14%
30.9
34.8%
7
PORTO
LPPR
10.6
-3%
28.7
37.1%
8
ANTALYA
LTAI
10.5
-21%
26.1
40.4%
9
DUBLIN
EIDW
10.4
16%
28.7
36.1%
10
PARIS ORLY
LFPO
10.3
21%
27.7
37.1%
11
ISTANBUL-ATATURK
LTBA
10.2
-41%
26.6
38.4%
12
LIME
10.0
13%
25.2
39.6%
13
BERGAMO/ORIO
ALSERIO
MILANO MALPENSA
LIMC
10.0
9%
31.4
31.8%
14
LONDON/LUTON
EGGW
9.9
-9%
33.8
29.3%
15
EBBR
9.7
12%
27.1
35.9%
16
BRUSSELS
NATIONAL
NICE
LFMN
9.7
11%
25.5
37.9%
17
MADRID BARAJAS
LEMD
9.6
-32%
28.4
34.0%
18
LFPG
9.6
4%
28.9
33.2%
19
PARIS CH DE
GAULLE
GENEVE COINTRIN
LSGG
9.6
16%
26.7
35.9%
20
PRAHA RUZYNE
LKPR
9.6
33%
26.0
36.8%
The Top 20 Affected Airports on arrival shows that London Heathrow airport ranked the highest with an
average delay per flight delay of 14.1 minutes, with weather and reactionary delays affecting flights. London
Gatwick experienced delays predominantly due to reactionary causes, with its average arrival delay per flight
at 36.7 minutes per flights. Istanbul Ataturk saw a decrease of 41% in its ADM on arrival following a less
weather affected 2013.
Figure 23. Main delay causes at the top 10 affected arrival airports
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
12. Top 20 Most Delayed Airport Pairs
Figure 24. All-Causes Delay Situation for the 20 Most Delayed Airport Pairs 2013
Rank
Departure Airport
Arrival Airport
Average
Delay Per
Departure
Change
since
Previous
Period
Average
Delay Per
Delayed
Departure
Percentage
Delayed
Departures
LISBOA
18.3
5%
36.8
49.8%
1
2
LISBOA
AEROPORTO DA
MADEIRA
LONDON/HEATHROW
17.2
-3%
30.5
56.2%
3
ROME FIUMICINO
LONDON/HEATHROW
16.9
30%
28.4
59.5%
4
LONDON/HEATHROW
NEW YORK
15.8
18%
27.6
57.2%
5
NEW YORK
LONDON/HEATHROW
15.6
24%
36.9
42.4%
6
MALAGA
LONDON/GATWICK
15.5
-23%
33.5
46.1%
7
LISBOA
PORTO
15.1
-2%
32.6
46.3%
8
LONDON/HEATHROW
LISBOA
14.9
-21%
27.2
54.9%
9
LONDON/HEATHROW
MADRID BARAJAS
14.4
-20%
23.9
60.2%
10
LONDON/HEATHROW
GLASGOW
14.3
19%
27.5
52.0%
11
LONDON/HEATHROW
ROME FIUMICINO
13.5
7%
24.1
56.2%
12
PARIS CH DE
GAULLE
GENEVE COINTRIN
MARSEILLE
PROVENCE
LONDON/HEATHROW
13.5
47%
31.1
43.4%
13.1
16%
29.9
43.9%
LONDON/HEATHROW
13.0
5%
24.7
52.8%
15
PARIS CH DE
GAULLE
GLASGOW
LONDON/HEATHROW
12.8
16%
36.3
35.4%
16
LONDON/GATWICK
MALAGA
12.5
-8%
24.1
51.6%
17
ROME FIUMICINO
12.4
29%
22.6
54.7%
18
ROME FIUMICINO
12.3
42%
21.9
56.3%
19
AEROPORTO DA
MADEIRA
PARIS CH DE
GAULLE
CATANIA
FONTANAROSSA
PALERMO PUNTA
RAISI
LISBOA
12.2
-19%
37.6
32.6%
DUBLIN
12.2
35%
24.3
50.3%
13
14
20
London Heathrow features prominently in the top delayed city pairs, with the airport seeing weather
delays throughout the year. Arrival flights experienced delays with knock on reactionary delay being
observed on departing flights.
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Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
13. Year-on-Year Trends in All-Causes Delay Indicators
This annex summarises the year-on-year trends in the main indicators of delay from all causes. A flight
is considered delayed from 5 minutes. This is based on CODA data covering 69% of commercial flights
in the ECAC region in 2013.
Figure 25. Average all-causes delay/delayed flight (departures left, arrivals right)
Figure 26. Percentage of flights delayed for all-causes delay (departures left, arrivals right)
Figure 27. Percentage of flights delayed >15mins for all-causes (departures left, arrivals right)
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
A. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Delay Parameter Abbreviations
TTF
TRF
TDF
PRF
PDF
TDM
Total Flights
Total Regulated Flights
Total Delayed Flights
Percentage of Regulated Flights
Percentage of Delayed Flights
Total Delay in Minutes
ADM
ADD
Average Delay per Movement
Average Delay per Delayed Flight
Glossary of Terms
ACC
Area Control Centre
AEA
Association of European Airlines
AHM
Airport Handling Manual
ATFM
Air Traffic Flow Management (used by IATA in the Standard IATA Delay Codes)
ATFCM
Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management
(used by NM as a more comprehensive reference to the function)
ATS
Air Traffic Services
BTO
Block Time Overshoot
CODA
Central Office for Delay Analysis
DDI-F
Delay Difference Indicator - Flight
NMD
Directorate Network Management
NMOC
NM Operations Centre (Network Manager)
ECAC
European Civil Aviation Conference
ESRA08
EUROCONTROL Statistical Reference Area 2008
FDPS
Flight Data Processing System
FMP
Flow Management Position
IACA
International Air Carrier Association
IATA
International Air Transport Association
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
B. CODA Delay Groupings
Link between CODA Causes and IATA delay codes.
Passenger and Baggage Cargo and Mail Aircraft and Ramp Handling Technical and Aircraft Equipment Damage to Aircraft & EDP/Automated Equipment Failure Flight Operations and Crewing IATA Code 11‐19 21‐29 31‐39 41‐49 51‐58 61‐69 Other Airline Related Causes ATFM due to Restriction at Destination Airport Airport Facilities Restrictions at Airport of Destination Others 83 87 88 Restrictions at Airport of Departure ATFM due to ATC En‐Route Demand / Capacity 89 81 CODA CAUSE Primary Delay Causes Airline Airport En‐Route Description ATFM due to ATC Staff / Equipment En‐Route Governmental Security and Immigration Weather (other than ATFM) Weather ATFM due to Weather at Destination Miscellaneous Miscellaneous EUROCONTROL
Reactionary Late Arrival of Aircraft, Crew, Passengers or Load 18
82 85‐86 71‐79 84 98‐99 91‐96 CODA
EUROCONTROL
19
V
Environmental issue
O
W
Weather
Other
P
Special Event
Aerodrome Capacity
M
G
Accident/Incident
Airspace Management
A
ATC Equipment
N
T
ATC Staffing
Industrial Action NONATC
S
ATC Routings
E
R
ATC Industrial Action
Equipment NON-ATC
I
ATC Capacity
D
C
De-icing
Code
Regulation Cause
NM
A
89
CODA
A
E
D
To be used if no other reason can fit
83
81
89
83
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND/CAPACITY
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
89
Noise
ATFM due to WEATHER AT DESTINATION
84
A
D
A
WEATHER EN ROUTE OR ALTERNATE
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
INDUSTRIAL ACTION OUTSIDE OWN AIRLINE
INDUSTRIAL ACTION OUTSIDE OWN AIRLINE
AIRPORT FACILITIES
AIRPORT FACILITIES
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
AIRPORT FACILITIES
AIRPORT FACILITIES
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
73
Thunderstorm; low visibility; strong cross winds, CB's
D
E
83
A
82
89
European football cup; Heads of Government meetings; Upgrade of
ATM systems
D
E
83
Airspace availibility; Military excersise
82
A
89
E
98
D
Fireman's strike
98
A
D
87
89
87
87
Runway or Taxiway lighting failure
De-icing
A
D
D
A
87
D
Lack of parking; taxiway closure; areas (runways, taxiways) closed for
maintenance; demand exceeds the declared airport, capacity;
runway configuration (winds)
83
A
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
89
RWY23 closed due to accident
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
83
A
D
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
82
Radar failure; RTF failure
89
E
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
83
A
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND/CAPACITY
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
D
89
81
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
Unplanned staff shortage
Phasing in of new procedures; ATFCM scenarios, Network Solutions
83
82
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND/CAPACITY
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
Delay Cause
82
E
D
E
Controllers' Strike
89
E
D
81
89
Code
83
Demand exceeds the capacity; Planned staff shortage
Guidelines
A
E
D
Regulation
Location
IATA
Correlation between IATA Delay Codes and the NM Regulation Codes
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
C. Correlation between IATA Codes and the NM Regulation Codes
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
D. Standard IATA Delay Codes (AHM730)
Others
00-05
06 (OA)
09 (SG)
AIRLINE INTERNAL CODES
NO GATE/STAND AVAILABILITY DUE TO OWN AIRLINE ACTIVITY
SCHEDULED GROUND TIME LESS THAN DECLARED MINIMUM GROUND TIME
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
LATE CHECK-IN, acceptance after deadline
LATE CHECK-IN, congestions in check-in area
CHECK-IN ERROR, passenger and baggage
OVERSALES, booking errors
BOARDING, discrepancies and paging, missing checked-in passenger
COMMERCIAL PUBLICITY/PASSENGER CONVENIENCE, VIP, press, ground meals and missing personal items
CATERING ORDER, late or incorrect order given to supplier
BAGGAGE PROCESSING, sorting etc.
REDUCED MOBILITY, boarding / deboarding of passengers with reduced mobility.
Passenger and Baggage
(PD)
(PL)
(PE)
(PO)
(PH)
(PS)
(PC)
(PB)
(PW)
Cargo and Mail
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
(CD)
(CP)
(CC)
(CI)
(CO)
(CU)
(CE)
(CL)
(CA)
DOCUMENTATION, errors etc.
LATE POSITIONING
LATE ACCEPTANCE
INADEQUATE PACKING
OVERSALES, booking errors
LATE PREPARATION IN WAREHOUSE
DOCUMENTATION, PACKING etc (Mail Only)
LATE POSITIONING (Mail Only)
LATE ACCEPTANCE (Mail Only)
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
(GD)
(GL)
(GE)
(GS)
(GC)
(GF)
(GB)
(GU)
(GT)
AIRCRAFT DOCUMENTATION LATE/INACCURATE, weight and balance, general declaration, pax manifest, etc.
LOADING/UNLOADING, bulky, special load, cabin load, lack of loading staff
LOADING EQUIPMENT, lack of or breakdown, e.g. container pallet loader, lack of staff
SERVICING EQUIPMENT, lack of or breakdown, lack of staff, e.g. steps
AIRCRAFT CLEANING
FUELLING/DEFUELLING, fuel supplier
CATERING, late delivery or loading
ULD, lack of or serviceability
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT, lack of or breakdown, lack of staff, e.g. pushback
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
(TD)
(TM)
(TN)
(TS)
(TA)
(TC)
(TL)
(TV)
AIRCRAFT DEFECTS.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, late release.
NON-SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, special checks and/or additional works beyond normal maintenance schedule.
SPARES AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT, lack of or breakdown.
AOG SPARES, to be carried to another station.
AIRCRAFT CHANGE, for technical reasons.
STAND-BY AIRCRAFT, lack of planned stand-by aircraft for technical reasons.
SCHEDULED CABIN CONFIGURATION/VERSION ADJUSTMENTS.
Aircraft and Ramp Handling
Technical and Aircraft Equipment
Damage to Aircraft & EDP/Automated Equipment Failure
51 (DF)
52 (DG)
55
56
57
58
(ED)
(EC)
(EF)
(EO)
EUROCONTROL
DAMAGE DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS, bird or lightning strike, turbulence, heavy or overweight landing, collision
during taxiing
DAMAGE DURING GROUND OPERATIONS, collisions (other than during taxiing), loading/off-loading damage,
contamination, towing, extreme weather conditions
DEPARTURE CONTROL
CARGO PREPARATION/DOCUMENTATION
FLIGHT PLANS
OTHER AUTOMATED SYSTEM
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
Flight Operations and Crewing
61 (FP)
62 (FF)
63 (FT)
68 (FA)
69 (FB)
FLIGHT PLAN, late completion or change of, flight documentation
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, fuel, load alteration
LATE CREW BOARDING OR DEPARTURE PROCEDURES, other than connection and standby (flight deck or entire
crew)
FLIGHT DECK CREW SHORTAGE, sickness, awaiting standby, flight time limitations, crew meals, valid visa, health
documents, etc.
FLIGHT DECK CREW SPECIAL REQUEST, not within operational requirements
LATE CABIN CREW BOARDING OR DEPARTURE PROCEDURES, other than connection and standby
CABIN CREW SHORTAGE, sickness, awaiting standby, flight time limitations, crew meals, valid visa, health documents,
etc.
CABIN CREW ERROR OR SPECIAL REQUEST, not within operational requirements
CAPTAIN REQUEST FOR SECURITY CHECK, extraordinary
71
72
73
75
76
77
DEPARTURE STATION
DESTINATION STATION
EN ROUTE OR ALTERNATE
DE-ICING OF AIRCRAFT, removal of ice and/or snow, frost prevention excluding unserviceability of equipment
REMOVAL OF SNOW, ICE, WATER AND SAND FROM AIRPORT
GROUND HANDLING IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
64 (FS)
65 (FR)
66 (FL)
67 (FC)
Weather
(WO)
(WT)
(WR)
(WI)
(WS)
(WG)
ATFM + AIRPORT + GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES
AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT RESTRICTIONS
81 (AT)
82 (AX)
83 (AE)
84 (AW)
ATFM due to ATC EN-ROUTE DEMAND/CAPACITY, standard demand/capacity problems
ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT EN-ROUTE, reduced capacity caused by industrial action or staff shortage,
equipment failure, military exercise or extraordinary demand due to capacity reduction in neighbouring area
ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT, airport and/or runway closed due to obstruction, industrial
action, staff shortage, political unrest, noise abatement, night curfew, special flights
ATFM due to WEATHER AT DESTINATION
AIRPORT AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES
85 (AS)
86 (AG)
87 (AF)
88 (AD)
89 (AM)
MANDATORY SECURITY
IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS, HEALTH
AIRPORT FACILITIES, parking stands, ramp congestion, lighting, buildings, gate limitations, etc.
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DESTINATION, airport and/or runway closed due to obstruction, industrial action,
staff shortage, political unrest, noise abatement, night curfew, special flights
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE WITH OR WITHOUT ATFM RESTRICTIONS, including Air Traffic
1
Services, start-up and pushback, airport and/or runway closed due to obstruction or weather , industrial action, staff
shortage, political unrest, noise abatement, night curfew, special flights
Reactionary
91
92
93
94
95
96
(RL)
(RT)
(RA)
(RS)
(RC)
(RO)
LOAD CONNECTION, awaiting load from another flight
THROUGH CHECK-IN ERROR, passenger and baggage
AIRCRAFT ROTATION, late arrival of aircraft from another flight or previous sector
CABIN CREW ROTATION, awaiting cabin crew from another flight
CREW ROTATION, awaiting crew from another flight (flight deck or entire crew)
OPERATIONS CONTROL, re-routing, diversion, consolidation, aircraft change for reasons other than technical
Miscellaneous
97 (MI)
98 (MO)
99 (MX)
INDUSTRIAL ACTION WITH OWN AIRLINE
INDUSTRIAL ACTION OUTSIDE OWN AIRLINE, excluding ATS
OTHER REASON, not matching any code above
SOURCE: IATA – Airport Handling Manual (730 & 731)
1
Restriction due to weather in case of ATFM regulation only, else refer to code 71 (WO)
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
E. Standard IATA Delay Sub-Codes (AHM731)
73 (WR)
WEATHER: EN ROUTE OR ALTERNATE
Z
Y
X
81 (AT)
ATFM DUE TO ATC EN-ROUTE DEMAND/CAPACITY, standard demand/capacity problems
Z
Y
82 (AX)
ATC ROUTEINGS
HIGH DEMAND OR CAPACITY
ATFM DUE TO ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT EN-ROUTE, reduced capacity caused by industrial action or
shortage or equipment failure, extraordinary demand due to capacity reduction in neighbouring area
Z
Y
X
W
V
83 (AE)
INDUSTRIAL ACTION
EQUIPMENT FAILURE
STAFF SHORTAGE
MILITARY ACTIVITY
SPECIAL EVENT
ATFM DUE TO RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT, airport and/or runway closed due to
obstruction, industrial action, staff shortage, political unrest, noise abatement, night curfew, special
flights
Z
Y
X
W
V
U
T
S
R
87 (AF)
HIGH DEMAND / ATC CAPACITY
INDUSTRIAL ACTION
EQUIPMENT FAILURE
STAFF SHORTAGE
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT
MILITARY ACTIVITY
SPECIAL EVENT
NOISE ABATEMENT/NIGHT CURFEW
OTHER
AIRPORT FACILITIES, parking stands, ramp congestion, lighting, buildings, gate limitations, etc.
Z
Y
X
W
V
U
T
S
R
P
N
M
L
K
J
H
G
89 (AM)
LACK OF PARKING STANDS
RAMP CONGESTION
LIGHTING OR BUILDINGS
GATE LIMITATION / NO GATE AVAILABLE
BAGGAGE SORTING SYSTEM DOWN / SLOW
NO PUSH BACK CLEARANCE DUE TO INFRASTRUCTURE
JET BRIDGE INOPERATIVE
LACK OF CHECK IN COUNTERS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE
PASSENGER TRANSPORT SYSTEM FAILURE
PUBLIC ADDRESS/FLIGHT INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FAILURE
INSUFFICIENT FIRE COVER
GROUND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FAILURE
NO PUSH BACK CLEARANCE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION
BREAKDOWN OF AIRPORT FUELLING SYSTEM
LATE OR LACK OF FOLLOW ME FOR PUSH-BACK
ANY OF THE ABOVE AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT
RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE WITH OR WITHOUT ATFM RESTRICTIONS, including Air
Traffic Services, start-up and pushback, airport and/or runway closed due to obstruction or weather.
Z
Y
X
W
V
U
T
S
R
P
N
M
L
K
J
H
G
93 (RA)
ATC CAPACITY
ATC INDUSTRIAL ACTION
ATC STAFFING
ATC EQUIPMENT
ATC ACCIDENT/INCIDENT
ATC DUE TO DE-ICING
ATC SPECIAL EVENT
ATC WEATHER
ATC RESTRICTIONS DUE TO CURFEW
ATC POLITICAL UNREST
ATC ENVIRONMENTAL
AIRPORT CLOSURE
RUNWAY CLOSURE
START-UP/PUSHBACK CLEARENCE DELAY (LOCAL ATC)
LOST FLIGHT PLAN BY ATC
CONSTRUCTION WORK/MAINTENENCE
OTHER
AIRCRAFT ROTATION, late arrival of aircraft from another flight
Z
Y
X
W
V
U
EUROCONTROL
OUTSIDE AIRCRAFT LIMITS
OUTSIDE CREW LIMITS
ETOPS
LATE ARRIVAL DUE DEPARTURE DELAY AT PREVIOUS STATION
LATE ARRIVAL DUE ENROUTE DELAY
LATE ARRIVAL DUE DELAY AFTER LANDING
LATE ARRIVAL DUE TO HIGH DEMAND FOR DESTINATION STATION
LATE ARRIVAL DUE TO WEATHER AT DESTINATION
LATE ARRIVAL DUE TO TECHNICAL REASONS
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CODA
Digest - Delays to Air Transport in Europe
Annual 2013
F. CODA Coverage Of Commercial Flights in the ECAC Region 2013
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CODA