Departure gate

A departure gate is a designated area at an airport where passengers wait to board their aircraft before takeoff. Each gate is marked by a number or letter and connects directly to the aircraft via a jet bridge or boarding stairs.

Departure gates are part of an airport’s terminal operations and are managed by an airport management system that coordinates passenger flow, boarding schedules, and ground handling services. Gate assignments depend on the airline, aircraft type, and flight timing, and they are subject to change due to delays, maintenance, or security needs.

Gates are usually located close to facilities like restrooms, seating areas, cafés, shops, and charging stations, which makes the waiting experience more comfortable for travelers.

Knowing the departure gate helps passengers board on time. Airlines display gate information on boarding passes and flight information display systems (FIDS). If there are any flight changes, they will appear on these channels.