Contingency Plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays


In compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, World Airways has adopted the following Contingency Plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays. This plan applies at large-hub, medium-hub, small hub and non-hub U.S. airports.

  1. For U.S. domestic flights, World Airways will not permit its aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three (3) hours after the aircraft leaves the gate in the case of departures or touches down in the case of arrivals before allowing passengers to deplane, unless:
    • The pilot-in-command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason (e.g. weather, a directive from an appropriate government agency) why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or
    • Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.
  2. For international flights that depart from or arrive at a U.S. airport, World Airways will not permit its aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than four (4) hours after the aircraft leaves the gate in the case of departures or touches down in the case of arrivals before allowing passengers to deplane, unless:
    • The pilot-in-command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason (e.g. weather, a directive from an appropriate government agency) why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or
    • Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.
  3. For all flights, World Airways will provide adequate food (e.g. snack foods such as pretzels or granola bars) and drinking water no later than two (2) hours after the aircraft leaves the gate (in the case of departure) or touches down (in the case of arrival) if the aircraft remains on the tarmac, unless the pilot-in-command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such service.
  4. For all flights, World Airways will provide operable lavatory facilities, as well as adequate medical attention if needed, while the aircraft remains on the tarmac.
  5. World Airways will provide sufficient resources to implement this plan.
  6. World Airways will coordinate this plan with airport authorities at applicable U.S. airports that World serves, including diversion airports.