Location Flight Services logo
Reference · Delay codes

IATA delay codes reference

Find the standard two-digit delay code for a cause, or look up a code from a movement message. Search by number, letter code or keyword.

78 codes
06OANo gate or stand available because of the operating airline's own activity.
07—Delay carried over from an aircraft connection awaiting maintenance action.
08—Delay carried over from an aircraft connection for miscellaneous reasons: traffic, marketing, flight ops, ground handling, cabin service, etc.
09SGScheduled ground time at the station is shorter than the airline's declared minimum turnaround time.
11PDLate check-in: passengers accepted after the published check-in deadline.
12PLLate check-in caused by congestion in the check-in area.
13PEErrors made during the check-in process.
14POOversales or other booking errors affecting passenger acceptance.
15PHBoarding discrepancies, gate paging, or a checked-in passenger missing at the gate.
16PSCommercial/publicity activities, passenger convenience, VIP handling, press, ground meals, or missing personal items.
17PCCatering order was late or incorrect when given to the supplier.
18PBBaggage processing or sortation delays.
19PWBoarding or deplaning of passengers with reduced mobility.
21CDCargo documentation errors or omissions.
22CPCargo positioned late for loading.
23CCCargo accepted late for the flight.
24CICargo inadequately packed for safe/efficient handling.
25COCargo oversales or other booking errors.
26CULate preparation of cargo in the warehouse.
27CEMail oversold or packing-related delay.
28CLMail positioned late for loading.
29CAMail accepted late for the flight.
31GDAircraft documentation (weight and balance/loadsheet, general declaration, passenger manifest, etc.) was late or inaccurate.
32GLLoading or unloading delays from bulky/special loads, cabin loading, or lack of loading staff.
33GELoading equipment (e.g. container/pallet loader) was unavailable, broken, or understaffed.
34GSServicing equipment (e.g. passenger steps) was unavailable, broken, or understaffed.
35GCAircraft cleaning delays.
36GFFuelling or defuelling delay attributable to the fuel supplier.
37GBCatering delivered or loaded late.
38GULack of or breakdown of unit load devices, containers, or pallets.
39GTLack of, breakdown of, or understaffed technical ground equipment, e.g. push-back tug.
41TDAircraft technical defects.
42TMScheduled maintenance released late.
43TNNon-scheduled maintenance, special checks, or extra work beyond routine maintenance.
44TSLack of or breakdown of spare parts or maintenance equipment.
45TAAircraft-on-ground (AOG) awaiting spare parts to be transported in from another station.
46TCAircraft swapped for technical reasons.
47TLNo standby aircraft planned/available to cover a technical issue.
48TVScheduled cabin configuration/version change delay.
51DFAircraft damage sustained during flight operations, e.g. bird strike, lightning strike, turbulence, or a heavy/overweight landing.
52DGAircraft damage sustained during ground operations: collisions, loading damage, contamination, towing incidents, or severe weather effects.
55EDDeparture control system failure: check-in, weight and balance, baggage sortation, or gate-reader faults.
56ECCargo preparation or documentation system failure.
57EFFlight-planning system failure.
58EOFailure of other computer systems not covered above.
61FPFlight plan completed or changed late.
62FFOperational requirement such as fuel load changes or load (weight) alteration.
63FTCrew boarded late, or departure procedures were delayed.
64FSFlight deck crew shortage or mandatory crew rest.
65FRFlight deck crew special request, or an error outside normal operational requirements.
66FLCabin crew boarded late, or departure procedures were delayed.
67FCCabin crew shortage.
68FACabin crew error or special request.
69FBCaptain requested an extraordinary security check.
71WOAdverse weather at the departure station.
72WTAdverse weather at the destination station.
73WRAdverse weather en route or at the alternate airport.
75WIDe-icing of the aircraft: ice/snow removal or frost prevention.
76WSRemoval of snow, ice, water, or sand from the airport or runway.
77WGGround handling operations impaired by adverse weather conditions.
81ATEn-route ATC restriction or capacity constraint.
82AXEn-route ATC restriction caused by staff shortage or equipment failure.
83AEATC restriction at the destination.
84AWATC restriction due to weather at the destination.
85ASMandatory security requirement/screening.
86AGImmigration, customs, or health authority processing.
87AFAirport facility constraints: parking stands, ramp congestion, buildings, gate limitations, etc.
88ADRestrictions at the destination airport, e.g. runway closure, industrial action, staff shortage, unrest, noise abatement, curfew, or special flights.
89AMRestrictions at the departure airport, e.g. runway closure, industrial action, staff shortage, unrest, noise abatement, curfew, special flights, start-up and push-back constraints.
91RLWaiting for connecting passengers or load from another flight, including protection of stranded passengers onto a new flight.
92RTThrough check-in errors affecting passengers and baggage.
93RALate arrival of the aircraft from a previous sector or rotation.
94RSCabin crew rotation delay.
95RCWaiting for flight deck or full crew arriving from another flight.
96ROOperations control decision: rerouting, diversion, consolidation, or non-technical aircraft swap.
97MIIndustrial action within the operating airline.
98MOIndustrial action outside the operating airline (excluding air traffic services).
99MXMiscellaneous delay not covered by any other code.
Limitations
  • This table is a reference summary of the publicly documented IATA numeric delay codes (commonly referenced as "AHM 730"), written in our own words. It is not a reproduction of, and should not be treated as a substitute for, the licensed IATA Airport Handling Manual. Individual airlines and ground handlers commonly append a further sub-reason character to these two-digit codes for more granular internal reporting (documented separately as "AHM 731"); such sub-codes are airline-specific and are not included here.
  • Always use the codes and sub-codes defined in your airline's or handler's own procedures for official reporting.
More tools
SCR Slot Request Builder →METAR & TAF Decoder →NOTAM Explainer →Airport Code Lookup →Aviation Operations Glossary →Jet Fuel Converter →
Flight dispatch supportRequest trip support