Holding Bay – Airport Operations Glossary

A holding bay is a critical component of airport ground operations. Strategically located adjacent to runways or taxiways, it is a dedicated paved area that temporarily accommodates aircraft, ensuring they do not impede the movement of other traffic. Holding bays are essential for managing sequencing, delays, and specialized operations such as de-icing, all while upholding stringent safety and regulatory standards.

Definition

A holding bay is a purpose-built, paved area at an airport designed to hold one or more aircraft temporarily. Found near runway thresholds or at key taxiway intersections, holding bays allow aircraft to wait—prior to takeoff, after landing, or during operational delays—without blocking critical ground routes. Their design ensures compliance with FAA and ICAO standards, including requirements for size, markings, lighting, pavement strength, and safety area separation. Holding bays are engineered to accommodate the largest aircraft expected at the airport, with clear visual cues and access points for pilots and ground personnel.

Purpose and Function

The primary functions of a holding bay include:

• Sequencing Departures and Arrivals: Holding bays allow ATC to efficiently queue aircraft before departure or temporarily park arrivals awaiting gate space.
• Reducing Taxiway Congestion: By holding aircraft off the main taxiways and runway entry points, holding bays prevent bottlenecks and maintain smooth ground traffic flow.
• Supporting Special Operations: In cold climates, holding bays may double as de-icing pads. During ground delays, they serve as staging points for aircraft held for weather or traffic reasons.
• Enhancing Runway Safety: Holding bays help prevent runway incursions by providing designated waiting areas outside the runway safety area (RSA) and obstacle-free zone (OFZ).

Typical Locations and Design

Holding bays are typically found:

• Near Runway Thresholds: For sequencing departures efficiently.
• At Taxiway Intersections: To manage complex or high-volume ground traffic.
• Adjacent to Terminal Aprons: For holding arrivals when gates are occupied.

Design features include:

• Pavement Strength: Suitable for the largest aircraft expected.
• Size: Accommodates one or multiple aircraft.
• Markings and Signage: Distinctive lines, surface paint, and illuminated signage per regulatory standards.
• Lighting: Edge and centerline lighting for visibility in low light or poor weather.
• Accessibility: Clearly defined entry/exit points, often with centerline guidance.

Distinction from Related Terms

• Holding Bay: A physical area for temporary holding of aircraft.
• Holding Point (Runway Holding Position): A marked spot on a taxiway where aircraft must stop before entering or crossing a runway, requiring explicit ATC clearance.
• De-icing Pad: Specialized apron for de-icing operations, sometimes colocated with holding bays.
• Runway Turnaround Area: Paved area at runway ends for turning, not intended for holding.
• Taxiway: Route for aircraft movement, separate from holding bays.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for safety and operational compliance.

Regulatory and Industry Context

Holding bays are governed by:

• FAA AC 150/5300-13B: US standards for airport design, including holding bays.
• ICAO Annex 14: International standards for aerodrome design and operations.
• Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP): Airport-specific details and procedures.

Regulations specify that holding bays:

• Are situated outside the RSA and OFZ.
• Require ATC clearance to enter/exit at controlled airports.
• Must be depicted on airport diagrams and pilot charts.

Operational Procedures and Scenarios

At controlled airports:

• ATC Coordination: Controllers direct aircraft to enter, wait, and leave holding bays as needed for traffic sequencing, delay management, or de-icing.
• Pilot Actions: Pilots must not exit the holding bay without explicit ATC clearance.

At uncontrolled airports:

• Pilot Coordination: Pilots use published procedures and common traffic frequencies to coordinate use and maintain situational awareness.

Use Cases:

• Departing flights waiting for assigned slots (“penalty box”).
• Arrivals waiting for gate availability.
• Aircraft undergoing de-icing.
• Staging multiple aircraft for parallel departures.

Adherence to these procedures is essential for efficient and safe ground operations.

Design and Safety Considerations

• Location: Outside runway and taxiway safety areas.
• Capacity: Sized for anticipated traffic and aircraft types.
• Markings and Lighting: Meets FAA/ICAO standards for visibility and clarity.
• Access: Unobstructed entry and exit.
• Environmental Factors: Designed for effective drainage, snow removal, and proximity to emergency services.

Safety protocols require ATC or procedural clearance to use holding bays, with strict adherence to prevent congestion or runway incursions.

Summary Table: Holding Bay Attributes

See Also

• Runway Holding Position (Holding Point): Taxiway location where aircraft must stop before entering a runway.
• Runway Threshold: Start of runway; holding bays are often located nearby.
• De-icing Pad: Special area for de-icing, sometimes overlapping with holding bays.
• Taxiway: Aircraft ground routes, distinct from holding bays but often adjacent.
• Runway Incursion: Unauthorized presence on a runway; proper holding bay use helps prevent this.
• Parallel Runway Operations: Multiple holding bays may be used to support simultaneous departures.
• ATC Ground Procedures: Rules and communications for safe aircraft ground movement.
• IFR/VFR: Flight operating rules; holding bays are used under both.

Industry and Regulatory References

• FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13B – Airport Design
• ICAO Annex 14 – Aerodrome Design and Operations
• FAA Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), ENR 1.5
• FAA AC 150/5340-1M – Standards for Airport Markings

Conclusion

Holding bays are vital for modern airport operations, enabling safe, efficient sequencing of aircraft on the ground. Their design and use are dictated by international and national standards, and they play an essential role in preventing congestion, delays, and runway incursions. For aviation professionals, understanding holding bay procedures is crucial to maintaining the integrity and flow of airport ground operations.