How scheduled departure times work, what fills the DELAYS meter, and how to keep every flight on time.
How the schedule works
Each departure has a scheduled time of departure (STD) on the airport clock. Its tag turns amber when it's due within five minutes and red once it's late. It counts as late until it pushes back, even while it waits for a tug.
The minutes late of every departure still at the gates add up on the DELAYS meter. A full meter (120 minutes late in total) ends the game. Pushing back on time scores a bonus; pushing back late costs points.
Staying on time
At the start only one departure is ready; the others board one after another. Push each one as soon as it's ready rather than letting them stack up.
- More tugs (My Airport, GROUND) cut the wait when several departures are due together.
- More fuel and catering trucks shorten turnarounds at busy times.
- A runway closure forgives delays, so use the time to push back and line up the queue.