How many minutes should there be between aircraft on the same track over the Atlantic?

The recommended separation time between aircraft on the same track over the Atlantic is 10 minutes. This time interval is crucial for ensuring safe distances between aircraft, allowing for adequate response times to any potential issues and ensuring that air traffic maintains proper spacing to avoid conflicts.

The 10-minute interval helps to establish a safe buffer that accounts for factors such as varying speeds among different aircraft and the unpredictability of air currents, which can affect flight trajectories. It also allows air traffic controllers to manage traffic more effectively, providing them with ample time to respond to any necessary changes in altitude or direction for one or more aircraft due to air traffic conditions or weather.

This guideline is endorsed by international aviation regulations and helps to maintain a systematic flow of aircraft across busy air routes, particularly in areas where radar coverage may be limited.