Why does return flight take longer

Air traffic control must make allowances for this, because too many planes arriving around the same time overwhelms airports. So air traffic control stretches out aircraft approaches, slowing arrival rates.

To be fair, global airlines have invested billions of dollars in technologies to enable more efficient flight paths, according to industry body Airlines for America. But to date they have left it to air traffic control to remedy once planes are in the air. Baiada says there is a better way — they could be tracking their aircraft and adjusting operations throughout the flight, managing aircraft sequencing, choosing flight speeds and paths leaving air traffic control to concentrate on separation and safe operation of the airspace.

Part of the problem is schedules are designed by airlines for perfect conditions, Tom Hendricks, a retired airline executive, told BBC Worklife.

But Hendricks believes on most days airlines could be doing more to ensure the flow of planes in to the airport is as efficient as possible as this is integral to their economic success. Another option could be to reduce the number of flights — but airline flight schedules are designed to meet buyer demand.

So, if there were fewer flights, fares would increase. Composite image of traffic on flight paths out of London Heathrow Credit: Getty. So are there any solutions on the horizon? One of the biggest assumptions is that modernising air traffic control will solve the problem. Billions of dollars in investment have in fact halved air traffic control-caused delays since while airline-caused delays have soared, according to a Bloomberg report. Baiada has come up with a Business Based Flow Management BBFM system — which involves airlines working with air traffic control to optimise efficiency in the air.

Active 3 years, 3 months ago. Viewed 15k times. Improve this question. Pondlife And there are others. JFK to Tel Aviv in a back in the s could be anywhere from Show 2 more comments.

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Dave Dave Add a comment. I'm sure there are other reasons as well. Don't assume everyone is a native speaker. If I "check" the flight duration of a flight over 2 moths, I do it online.

Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password. Post as a guest Name. These jet streams have a significant effect on aircraft. An aircraft traveling east can effectively pick up a tailwind speeding its journey.

Whereas a westbound flight may end up flying against the wind. More than just affecting average flight times, these jet streams have a major impact on flight routings and scheduling. Airlines will look at jet stream patterns each day and alter routes for their flights accordingly. Taking a longer physical distance route might make sense if you can piggyback on a strong tailwind. And likewise, you can re-route westbound flights to avoid some of the effects of the jet streams.

For more background on the complexities of flight routing take a look at our article , or for some fun this lighthearted look at the pictures these routings can create! So next time you are told your flight will be longer or shorter due to wind or jet stream effects, you will know why. Journalist - With almost a decade of experience in the publishing sphere, Justin has built up a deep understanding of the issues facing aviation today. With a keen interest in route development, new aircraft, and loyalty, his extensive travels with airlines such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific has given him profound direct comprehension of industry matters.