Boston’s Logan Airport Handles This Many Flights Per Hour

Boston Logan International Airport grinds out a lot of business on an average day.

According to the Massachusetts Port Authority, "During ideal weather conditions, Boston Logan can accommodate 120 operations per hour when the FAA can utilize a three-runway configuration." 

Massport says, "Runway capacity can be reduced to about 60 operations per hour in poor weather conditions and a single-runway configuration." That's when delays become a headache for travelers, airlines, and airport officials alike.

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Boston Logan has six runways ranging from 2,557 feet to 10,081 feet. Massport says, "The runways are aligned in three directions, with each threshold pointing to a distinct magnetic heading."

In determining which runway to assign to an aircraft for takeoff or landing, the Federal Aviation Administration considers the direction of the wind. 

"Generally, aircraft take off and land into the wind in ideal weather conditions," says Massport. "Because Boston Logan is located on the coast, ideal wind conditions are far from common and are just one of the factors considered when the FAA selects a runway to use."

Other factors include "ground visibility, cloud coverage and ceiling, runway and taxiway availability, navigational aids available, aircraft fleet, and peak operational times."

If it seems there is a lot of air traffic at Logan International, there is. 

"We are proud to partner with over 40 airlines at Boston Logan International Airport," says the airport's website. Direct and connecting flights to almost anywhere on the planet are available at Boston Logan.

The list of airlines that "partner" with Boston Logan includes many I have never heard of before.