Tarmac Delay Procedure
The Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 required all U.S. carriers and commercial service airports to develop and share a contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays.
Under the Act, airport contingency plans must contain a description of how the airport operator, to the maximum extent practicable, will: (1) provide for the deplanement of passengers following excessive tarmac delays; (2) provide for the sharing of facilities and make gates available at the airport in an emergency; and (3) provide a sterile area following excessive tarmac delays for passengers who have not yet cleared U.S. Customs and Border Protection.