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The secret code of flight delays: Do you know the story behind each number?
When you're waiting to board your flight at the airport, you may not know that there is a standardized coding system behind the delay. The code was developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to standardize the way airlines report commercial flight delays. This will not only reduce the difficulty of information sharing, but also help airlines coordinate management and define responsibilities and fines caused by delays.
The causes of delays can be coded to understand the stories and meanings behind these numbers.
In the past, each airline had its own delay reporting system, making it difficult to share information about flight delays. However, IATA decided to standardize the process, using codes to identify the cause of delays and responsibilities, which provides important support for aviation management and transport logistics. For example, when an aircraft stays on the ground for too long, it directly increases the airline's costs, so airlines will plan operations to reduce ground time, which has also led to the widespread use of contracts based on reward and penalty systems. This means that the party responsible for the delay will often face certain penalties.
Delay code categories
IATA's delay codes are divided into nine categories, each of which can be represented by a two-digit or two-letter code. While most airlines use the numerical format, some prefer the alphabetical version. According to the AHM 780 Aircraft Movement Information Message standard, only numeric codes are specified for use.
Code and Principles
These codes are commonly used in mobile information messages sent by SITA from the departure airport to the destination airport. They are also used for internal management by airlines, airports and ground handling agents. Both the numeric code and the additional characters provide a more detailed analysis of the delay.
For example, DL31/62/0005/0015 could show that code 31 caused a 5 minute delay, while code 62 caused a 15 minute delay.
Different delay codes and their meanings
Here are some key delay codes and their corresponding delay types:
Codes starting with 0 (for internal use)
- 00–05: Reserved for airline customization.
- 06: Gate/stand not found due to airline activity.
- 08: Delays caused by airlines due to service demand.
Codes starting with 1 (passengers and baggage)
- 11: Passenger boarding after the cut-off time.
- 14: Delays due to overselling or booking errors.
- 17: Catering orders are late or wrong.
Codes starting with 3 (processing)
- 31: Delay or inaccuracy of aviation documentation.
- 36: Cleaning delays.
- 39: Lack of or malfunction of technical equipment.
Codes starting with 4 (Technology)
- 41: Aircraft defects.
- 45: Uncommon failures due to technical reasons.
Codes starting with 5 (damage/fault)
- 51: Damage sustained during aviation operations.
- 56: System error in cargo preparation.
Codes starting with 6 (homework)
- 61: Delays or changes in flight plans.
- 62: Problem with operation requirements.
Codes starting with 7 (climate)
- 71: Weather delay at departure station.
- 75: The aircraft needs to be de-iced.
Codes beginning with 8 (Air Traffic Control)
- 81: Air traffic control restrictions.
- 87: Congestion in airport facilities.
Codes starting with 9 (other)
- 91: Waiting for passengers or cargo on other flights.
- 99: Other unspecified reasons.
While these codes are designed to be standardized for reporting, in practice each airline or airport may further refine these codes based on their specific operational needs. However, the power of this standardization allows the industry to effectively track and manage delays.
Have you ever thought that behind these seemingly ruthless codes are the expectations and disappointments of thousands of travelers?
