Originally Posted by
CaptainProp
Standard proc all over Europe nowadays. It's not about moving an aircraft from "one stand to another"
On the contrary, that's precisely what we're talking about in this instance.
it's about freeing up a gate for a new arrival / departure as often gate space is limited, not parking positions.
Well yes, obviously many airports have fewer gates than stands. But I'd suggest that it's far more common for a flight that's blocking a gate while awaiting its slot to push, taxy and hold remotely rather than towing a planeload of passengers on a scenic tour of the airport.