How long does a plane need to turn around?

How Long Does a Plane Need to Turn Around?

The time it takes for a plane to turn around, or prepare for its next flight, can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the plane, the number of passengers, and the amount of cargo being loaded or unloaded. However, as a general rule, long-haul plane turnarounds generally take between 90 and 120 minutes.

This allows for unforeseen delays to be absorbed into the longer flight times, minimizing their impact. For example, if a flight is delayed by 30 minutes, a 90-minute turnaround would still allow the plane to depart on time. However, if the turnaround time were only 60 minutes, the delay would cause the plane to depart late.

In addition to unforeseen delays, turnarounds also need to allow for the following:

• Disembarking and boarding passengers. This can take a significant amount of time, especially on large planes.
• Loading and unloading cargo. This can also take a significant amount of time, especially if there is a lot of cargo to be loaded or unloaded.
• Refueling the plane. This is a relatively quick process, but it still needs to be factored into the turnaround time.
• Cleaning the plane. This is important for both safety and passenger comfort.
• Performing safety checks. This is essential to ensure that the plane is safe to fly.

By allowing for 90 to 120 minutes for turnarounds, airlines can ensure that their planes depart on time and that passengers have a safe and comfortable flight.