Why do flight boarding gates close 20 minutes before flight? , Why do airlines close boarding gate 20 minutes early Know the reason

After closing the gate, the airlines have to ensure that all the passengers have boarded the plane and their luggage is also in the same flight. If someone is missing, his bag is also taken out. These safety rules are necessary under both DGCA and international aviation protocols.

2. Baggage reconciliation takes time

Suppose a passenger does not board, but his luggage is loaded in the cargo hold. Then the airline has to find the baggage and unload it. This work may take 10–15 minutes. Therefore, it is necessary to close the gate well in advance so that there is no problem of ‘unclaimed bag’ in the flight.

3. Final flight preparations and cabin closing

As soon as the gate closes, the cabin crew starts their safety briefing. The doors are sealed, emergency checks take place, and the aircraft is allowed to pushback to the runway. Completing this process before the scheduled time maintains the punctuality of the flight.

4. Airport Slots and Air Traffic Control Timings

Every flight gets a fixed time slot from the airport authority and air traffic control (ATC). If a flight completes boarding late, it may get another slot. Which means a delay of 30–60 minutes. That is why airlines consider it better to close the gates on time.

5. Avoid last minute panic

If the gate remains open till the last moment, there may be delays, crowding and security check irregularities. By closing the gate early, the ground staff also gets time to prepare and the flight departs without any chaos.

Check-in in advance and note the “boarding time”

“Gate Closes” time is written on every boarding pass. Which is not just information, but a warning! So if you don’t want your flight to take off without you, check-in online and reach the gate at least 45 minutes early.