Slot.
A slot is a permission granted by an airport slot coordinator to use the airport's infrastructure for take-off or landing at a specific date and time. IATA classifies airports as Level 1, 2 or 3, with Level 3 requiring full coordination. A separate concept, the air traffic flow management slot, is a calculated take-off time used to manage airspace congestion.
| Term | Slot |
|---|---|
| Used in | Private aviation, charter brokerage and operations |
| Related terms | PPR (prior permission required), Handling agent, Block time |
| Sources | 2 listed below |
What does Slot mean in practice?
Slots affect private flights in two ways.
Some busy airports are Level 3 coordinated, meaning every arrival and departure needs an allocated slot. IATA counts more than 200 such airports worldwide. Private and charter flights generally receive slots on request from a pool, but at peak times, such as major sporting events or holiday weekends, availability can be limited and times may be shifted. The second type is the ATFM slot. When airspace or an airport is congested, the flow management unit issues a calculated take-off time, and the aircraft cannot depart before it. That can add delay even at an uncongested departure airport. Neither slot type is something you can buy your way out of. Brokers and operators request them, and a good broker will tell you early if your preferred time is not available. Flexibility of an hour either side often solves it.
Questions
What does Slot mean?
A slot is a permission granted by an airport slot coordinator to use the airport's infrastructure for take-off or landing at a specific date and time. IATA classifies airports as Level 1, 2 or 3, with Level 3 requiring full coordination. A separate concept, the air traffic flow management slot, is a calculated take-off time used to manage airspace congestion.
Sources
- IATA: Airport slots (accessed 2026-09-20)
- Wikipedia: Airport slot (accessed 2026-09-20)
Last reviewed 20 September 2026 by Empty Leg Exclusive Editorial Team.