GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Worldwide Slot Guidelines
At coordinated airports, the Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG) come into effect the moment demand for runway access exceeds available capacity.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/policy/slots/slot-guidelines/
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Logistics concept
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Definition & Explanation
At coordinated airports, the Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG) come into effect the moment demand for runway access exceeds available capacity. Published by IATA and developed in consultation with national aviation authorities, they define the full lifecycle of an airport slot: how it is allocated before a season, what usage rates airlines must meet to retain their slots, under what conditions slots can be returned or swapped, and how disputes between carriers and coordinators are resolved. Slot coordinators at major hubs rely on the WSG as their primary operational reference. The guidelines are revised periodically to reflect changing traffic patterns and policy developments, making familiarity with the current edition essential for airline scheduling and network planning teams.
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