Under what condition might ATC expedite a flight's approach or landing?

When a pilot declares an emergency, it triggers a specific protocol for air traffic control. In such cases, the safety of the aircraft and its occupants becomes the top priority. Air traffic controllers are trained to expedite the approach or landing of an aircraft in distress to ensure the quickest possible resolution to the emergency. This may involve giving the aircraft priority over others in the airspace, clearing a path for landing, and providing necessary assistance.

Expediting a flight's approach or landing under normal circumstances, such as during regular traffic flow or at scheduled intervals, does not typically occur unless specific conditions warrant it. Additionally, peak hours often involve a higher volume of traffic where expediting may still not be prioritized unless there is a significant reason, such as an emergency situation. Thus, the declaration of an emergency is the primary condition under which ATC would expedite a flight’s approach or landing.