Interminable taxiing

[PAXboy]

Tony Killeen That is a FABULOUS story and I hope you consider the extra exercise to have been a healthy addition to your trip!

Welcome to PPRuNe!!

[grimmrad]

I recall departing with LH from JFK and the steward across from my seat (emergency exit) told me that they sometimes taxi for 1-2 hours. One hour is almost normal in the evening at JFK, which is why EWR becomes more interesting for many. Can be quite long coming in as well, especially when TSA didn't clear the plane to deboard. Not unusual to hear "we are number 28 for takeoff". Nice to sit in business on those occasions...

[Skipness One Echo]

And why not re-open the existing third runway at LHR to reduce queueing times? Or is it really needed as parking space?

It's physically not there anymore. The new Terminal 2 is being built where it used to be.

http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadba...2011-10-20.pdf

[Gonzo]

Towards the end of its life, Use of Runway 23 used to actually increase delays, as we would lose stand capacity and taxiway flexibility.