Technology that separates landing aircraft by time instead of distance cuts hold ups

High winds are one of the most common causes of flight delays and cancellations at airports, but new technology is now to put an end to the problem. Air traffic controllers at three of Britain's busiest airports are to adopt a new system that can automatically adjust the landing rate of aircraft depending on the wind conditions. Traditional landing procedures mean aircraft must be separated by a set distance when on approach to a runway. A new system that separates landing aircraft (pictured) by time rather than distance is to be introduced to Gatwick and Manchester Airports after a successful trial over the past year at Heathrow. Time-based separation replaces the old system of keeping large aircraft five nautical miles apart when they come into land.