ATFM

Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) is a set of procedures and processes designed to balance air traffic demand with available airspace and airport capacity. The goal is to minimize system-wide delays, improve safety, and increase predictability for operators and passengers by coordinating the timing and routing of flights.

ATFM relies on collaborative decision making among air navigation service providers, airlines, and airport operators. It uses forecast and real-time information on weather, sector and airport capacity, and current traffic to identify potential congestion and implement flow management actions before or during operations. These actions are designed to ensure that the demand placed on a given airspace or airport does not exceed its capacity.

Key tools and concepts include flow management constraints, ground delay programs, en-route flow management and metering, and arrival management. Flow restrictions or metering may determine when a flight can depart, how it progresses through busy airspace, or when it must delay at an intermediate point. Arrival management helps optimize sequencing and spacing at airports to reduce holding and queueing.

ATFM is implemented at national and regional levels. Regional systems in Europe are coordinated under EUROCONTROL, while the United States operates body of ATFM rules and procedures through the FAA. International guidance is provided by ICAO, which promotes harmonized practices and data sharing to support cross-border flows.

Benefits include reduced overall delays, improved safety margins, better fuel efficiency, and greater predictability for airlines and passengers. Challenges involve weather variability, data integration, differing national rules, and ensuring equitable access to capacity.