Real-time information about the operational state of an airline’s scheduled departures and arrivals is essential for modern air travel. This typically includes details such as scheduled and actual departure/arrival times, any delays or cancellations, gate information, and the flight’s current airborne status. For instance, travelers might learn that a specific departure is delayed by 30 minutes due to weather or that an arriving flight has landed and is taxiing to the gate.
Access to this operational data provides crucial benefits for passengers, allowing for proactive adjustments to travel plans, minimizing disruption, and reducing uncertainty. Historically, acquiring such data was a cumbersome process, often involving direct contact with the airline or airport. The advent of the internet and mobile technology revolutionized this, putting real-time updates at travelers’ fingertips. This empowers passengers to make informed decisions, such as rearranging ground transportation or notifying those awaiting their arrival.