Running late for a flight? Here's when the plane will wait for you
If you've ever found yourself having to run for a flight, you might have had a single question running through your mind: "Will the plane wait for me?"
This is a scenario that has faced thousands of travellers navigating Europe's new entry and exit system (EES), which has caused hour-long queues and plenty of missed flights since it was fully implemented in April. The new rules have been gradually introduced since October 2025, but have caused such significant delays that even airlines have called for them to be scrapped.
In early April, more than 120 EasyJet passengers were left stranded at Milan Linate Airport after lengthy delays caused them to miss a flight to Manchester. So, how does an airline decide whether to wait for connecting passengers or when to leave them behind?
Tash Heap, a Lecturer in Aviation at the University of Southern Queensland, explains that there are a raft of things taken into consideration when making that call. Firstly, the airline's knowledge of the passenger is crucial. If you are connecting from one of their own flights, there is a higher chance that the airline will hold the flight for you, as they are already aware of your presence in their system.
However, this is just one factor. Airlines are in the business of moving passengers, and their needs are considered. But, as Tash points out, there are many other competing needs, not least the other passengers the airline is trying to serve on that day. Delaying a flight for a small number of passengers to join may result in larger problems downstream.
Major airports are busy, with arrivals and departures often only a few minutes apart. This means airlines are allocated 'slot times', which they need to adhere to. Holding a departing flight for a few connecting passengers can result in missing these slot times, which can have a lasting flow-on effect on the airline's entire network.
Airlines also need to consider their network structure and timetables. For example, regional routes in Australia may only fly to certain destinations two to three times per week. In these cases, an airline may hold the aircraft to ensure those passengers aren't disrupted or stranded, as only a small number of passengers are impacted.
Another critical factor is the flight and duty limits of pilots and cabin crew. Pilots are subject to strict limits on how long they can be on duty to manage fatigue levels. If there is a delay to departure, the pilots' available hours start counting down. This can be a problem, especially on domestic and shorter-haul international flights, where the crew may be due to stop work at the end of the next sector or at the next destination.
Finally, airport curfews play a significant role. A delay in departure may mean the aircraft cannot reach its destination before the airport closes, leading to significant fines for the airline if they land under curfew. In some regions, like the EU, airlines can be fined for delayed and cancelled flights, which further emphasises the complexity of the decision-making process.
In conclusion, the decision of whether to wait for connecting passengers is a complex one, influenced by a multitude of factors. While the airline's knowledge of the passenger is a key consideration, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Airlines must balance the needs of their passengers, their network, and their operational constraints to make the best decision for their business and their customers.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the interplay between the airline's operational needs and the passenger's desire to catch their flight. It raises a deeper question about the balance between efficiency and customer satisfaction in the aviation industry. One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of understanding the broader implications of these decisions, as they can have a significant impact on both the airline and its passengers.
In my opinion, this issue highlights the challenges faced by airlines in managing their operations while providing a high level of customer service. It also underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the various factors at play, as well as the potential consequences of each decision. From my perspective, this scenario serves as a reminder that the aviation industry is a complex and dynamic field, where every decision has the potential to impact multiple stakeholders.
