Aircraft de-icing is a critically important part of preparing an aircraft for safe departure. Compliance with both international standards and national civil aviation regulations is a top priority for airlines and airports.

During the winter season, the risk of icing increases significantly. Even a thin layer of ice, frost, or snow on the wings, tail surfaces, or other critical areas can degrade the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance, increase drag, and reduce lift, ultimately impairing the aircraft’s flight characteristics.

For this reason, mandatory de-icing procedures are applied in both international practice and national regulations. These procedures are typically carried out in one or two steps using de-icing and anti-icing fluids:

1. Removal of ice, snow, frost, and other contaminants from the aircraft’s critical surfaces.

2. Application of a protective layer of fluid to prevent re-icing for a defined period of time.

It should be noted that active precipitation and low temperatures can cause operational delays. These delays are necessary to ensure that de-icing can be performed properly and that the applied fluid provides adequate protection throughout taxiing and up to the moment of takeoff. Such delays are an essential part of aviation safety.

Why De-Icing begins after passenger boarding?

The standard procedure for aircraft de-icing requires that the treatment be performed only after passenger boarding is complete and all aircraft doors are closed. The primary reason for this is the limited holdover time of anti-icing fluids. To ensure maximum effectiveness and guarantee protection until takeoff, de-icing must be performed as close to the departure time as possible.

Closing the doors before the de-icing process also complies with established aircraft servicing procedures. In practice, this means that after all passengers have boarded and the doors have been closed, the aircraft may remain at the gate or be towed to a designated de-icing area. Depending on weather conditions, the procedure will be carried out immediately or when conditions allow it to be performed effectively. Such operational waiting times are part of mandatory international and national procedures designed to ensure flight safety.

We thank all passengers for their understanding and patience!