Managing business travel itineraries are complex and occasionally nerve-wracking undertakings, one of the most common reasons being flight delays.

We can’t think life today without flights- be it for leisure or business. Hence, it’s necessary that we understand that flight delays and even cancellations are inevitable part of travelling (and keep room for it).

Nevertheless, it can be very stressful and confusing. So associating with an agent like Business Flight Shop to take care of all these and also compensations, is important. (It’s interesting to note that only the fares are compensated for whereas the actual losses in business due to flight delays, say on 1^st class flight to Auckland, are never made up.)

Let’s take a look at some very common reasons for delay.

• Weather-related issues. Talking of weather…you really don’t want to take off in the eye of a powerful storm; neither do you want to try to land in those conditions. So weather, flooding and other natural-origin causes can lead to 1^st class flight to Johannesburg unable to fly, or not being available on time.

• Decreased visibility:-ATC may hold the flights (1^st class flights to Philadelphia, for example) due to lower visibility.

• Engineering issues. If problems are detected during pre-flight checks, there may be delays whilst they’re fixed; though you will be compensated; with certain terms and conditions.
• Airport conditions – This is a general catch all term for things unrelated to the flight itself that causes a delay, for example- a security issue in the terminal, an aircraft stuck behind your aircraft, a build-up of ice under the jet-way, somebody lost the keys for the pushback vehicle, etc.

• Waiting for connecting passengers or connecting bags.

• Windshield damage:-While on air, large birds or other objects bounce off the windshield. After landing, it is checked for any damage. This may cause delays in other flights.

• Other flights’ delay:-If one plane is delayed the connecting flights are also delayed; the effect being referred to as “knock on” effect.

• Crew problems:-The crew must be rescheduled – if there’s a strike, a walkout, traffic problems, storms, or any other reason the crew doesn’t show up, they must find new crew.

• Security measures:-If there is the potential for bodily harm, or there is a national or international security issue, air traffic control and the flight authority in the country you’re in;maylead to delay or cancel flights.

• Air Traffic Control (ATC):-ATC must place the plane in the “take-off queue” with all other planes. In cases of weather or congestion, the arrival airport also may have to approve the departure from a “queue” of all planes from certain areas with that destination.

• Recently, some delays have been taking place due to checking of temperatures, covid19 certificates, etc. before boarding 1^st class flights to New York(for example).

Departures happen on time, most of the time. Associate with agents such as Business Flight Shop to help you through these situations. In the event of a problem arising, suggesting strategies for risk management has to be in place that supports business travellers.