What is the typical priority between departures and arrivals at an airport?

The correct answer is that departures are prioritized over arrivals. This prioritization is generally based on the principles of optimizing the efficiency of airport operations.

When an aircraft is ready to depart, it is often critical to clear it from the runway before allowing an arriving aircraft to land, especially if the departing aircraft is already on the runway or if it is timed to depart at a specific time slot. This practice helps maintain the flow of air traffic and minimizes delays for departing flights, which is essential for maintaining airline schedules and reducing congestion at the airport.

Prioritization of departures also considers the impact on passenger trips, as delays for departing flights can cascade through the travel schedule. Moreover, arriving airplanes may have the ability to circle in a holding pattern or remain at altitude longer than a departure that has already left the gate, thereby providing some flexibility in managing traffic.

It’s important to note that while this general rule of prioritizing departures holds true, there are exceptions particularly in the context of air traffic control operations, such as during adverse weather conditions or emergencies, which can create a need to adjust the standard procedures. However, under normal circumstances, the prioritization of departures ahead of arrivals helps to streamline operations and enhance overall air traffic management.