Runways, Aprons and Taxiways

[CM.]

Believe the 2 new stands won’t be to far from opening as there’s been mention today that they’re planning to do some trials of the stands on Tuesday.

 

[White Heather]

Believe the 2 new stands won’t be to far from opening as there’s been mention today that they’re planning to do some trials of the stands on Tuesday.

At the last ACC they said they would go into use from February 2026, although of course that might have changed in the last couple of months.

 

[YorkshireLad]

Jet2 aircraft are regularly parking overnight on the taxiway behind stand 18 even at this time of the year. It's pretty clear to me we need these stands ASAP

 

[White Heather]

Jet2 aircraft are regularly parking overnight on the taxiway behind stand 18 even at this time of the year. It's pretty clear to me we need these stands ASAP

Why though? We have more stands than based aircraft.

 

[YorkshireLad]

Why though? We have more stands than based aircraft.

Not sure. I feel like not all the stands are being fully utilised (mainly 21B, as the aircraft is boxed in from this stand). However, use of stands 21A/B/C are incredibly hard to keep track of as there haven't actually been any movements from any of them for 12 days, aircraft seem to be towed to/from them.

There are 20 stands that I have noted as recently in use, stand 1 presumably is holding snow equipment. There seems to generally be 20 aircraft overnighting (however there were 21 last night due to EI-EFZ having an extended stay - presumably tech). One likely goes into the hangar, leaving 19 aircraft for 20 stands. If we say 21B is not in regular use, that is 19 aircraft for 19 stands, and if there is an extra aircraft on apron it is presumably more operationally convenient to park the aircraft on the taxiway where it can easily be towed to a stand the following morning, rather than shuffle the aircraft on the remote stands.

This is, of course, pure speculation on my part. The answer does ramble on a bit, but I can think of no better way to illustrate my thoughts on it.

 

[CM.]

21A/B/C have not been used since they started building the new stands they currently get called 21N/S and park 2 aircraft there. Meaning a loss of a stand there temporarily.

Stand 1 is usually closed in the winter as they park the Winter ground equipment on there and taxiway alpha is closed where stand 1 is.

Ryanair’s EI-EFZ is still here parked on stand 19 aswell meaning we’ve got 4 Ryanair’s based here

Edit 6/12 seems like they’re using the new stands already as they’ve towed and parked Ryanair Max 8 EI-HAY onto 1 of the new stands as it’s currently grounded.

 

[twevsmiff]

21A/B/C have not been used since they started building the new stands they currently get called 21N/S and park 2 aircraft there. Meaning a loss of a stand there temporarily.

Stand 1 is usually closed in the winter as they park the Winter ground equipment on there and taxiway alpha is closed where stand 1 is.

Ryanair’s EI-EFZ is still here parked on stand 19 aswell meaning we’ve got 4 Ryanair’s based here

Edit 6/12 seems like they’re using the new stands already as they’ve towed and parked Ryanair Max 8 EI-HAY onto 1 of the new stands as it’s currently grounded.

Yes it was towed to Stand 23

 

[YorkshireLad]

This would explain why there appeared to be several more aircraft on the ground than stands available last night. Are they now properly using the new layout?

 

[CM.]

This would explain why there appeared to be several more aircraft on the ground than stands available last night. Are they now properly using the new layout?

Not fully the Ryanair Max that is currently parked there is currently grounded and I believe could be for a few days after an incident with a ground Vehicle yesterday morning

Looks to be finally leaving today as it’s down to position to Edinburgh.

 

[SierraHotel]

Can anyone confirm whether the 2 new stands are in use?

 

[YorkshireLad]

Can anyone confirm whether the 2 new stands are in use?

Stand 23 has been in use recently, storing EI-HAY when it was AOG, and I’ve seen a Jet2 aircraft parked there on a recent Blue Sky stream. Not sure about 22A/B (I can’t remember which one is the old 21B)

 

[CM.]

Can anyone confirm whether the 2 new stands are in use?

Yes they’re now open.

Stand 23 has been in use recently, storing EI-HAY when it was AOG, and I’ve seen a Jet2 aircraft parked there on a recent Blue Sky stream. Not sure about 22A/B (I can’t remember which one is the old 21B)

Believe the old 21B is now 22A.

 

[lbaspotter]

The Airports Aircraft Docking Chart has just been updated on the CAA's eAIS website and clearly shows the new stands now available for use.

https://www.aurora.nats.co.uk/htmlAIP/Publications/2025-12-25-AIRAC/graphics/461321.pdf

 

[White Heather]

The Airports Aircraft Docking Chart has just been updated on the CAA's eAIS website and clearly shows the new stands now available for use.

https://www.aurora.nats.co.uk/htmlAIP/Publications/2025-12-25-AIRAC/graphics/461321.pdf

Earlier than previously intended. We were told February at the September ACC.

 

[YorkshireLad]

Does anyone know what AP, NP and TRP stand for? (Edit: I now see what TRP stands for, but don't fully understand it)

Also, never noticed stands 1L and 1R before, are these a new development or have I just missed them?

 

[CM.]

Does anyone know what AP, NP and TRP stand for? (Edit: I now see what TRP stands for, but don't fully understand it)

Also, never noticed stands 1L and 1R before, are these a new development or have I just missed them?

TRP stands for Tug release point and there points across the airfield for pushback drivers to push aircraft to. Although sometimes they get pushed either West or East depending on which Runway is being used and other traffic etc.

Alpha Papa and November Papa are “extra stands” on the taxiway that sometimes gets used if it’s busy and we’re short of stands but I’d like to think now with these new stands that we shouldn’t have to use them as much.

 

[752]

Wonder if the space between 2-4 would ever be brought back into service eventually? Haven’t they moved some equipment? Am I right in thinking some of the buildings have gone?

 

[Aviador]

Wonder if the space between 2-4 would ever be brought back into service eventually? Haven’t they moved some equipment? Am I right in thinking some of the buildings have gone?

I was of the understanding that was the case too, but I see the area is now blotted out completely on the airfield plan. The area where the Jet2 baggage make-up is isn't likely be be changed for the foreseeable future. The facility had a significant upgrade during the pandemic prior to the resolution of the former new terminal plans. Following the upgrade the current Jet2 check-in facility is capable of handling the entire throughput of the airport according to the former airport CEO Hywel Rees. So with that in mind I think stand 2 to 4 may remain unused for the foreseeable future.

 

[a2b1066]

Wonder if the space between 2-4 would ever be brought back into service eventually? Haven’t they moved some equipment? Am I right in thinking some of the buildings have gone?

A new stand 4 is supposedly on the cards now buildings have been removed and can accommodate aircraft upto B738/A320 along with stand 5 also being upgraded to accommodate a B738/A320. Assuming the road which currently runs behind stand 5 will be moved to the head of stand 5 instead.

 

[lbaspotter]

A new stand 4 is supposedly on the cards now buildings have been removed and can accommodate aircraft upto B738/A320 along with stand 5 also being upgraded to accommodate a B738/A320. Assuming the road which currently runs behind stand 5 will be moved to the head of stand 5 instead.

Line to know how they will accomplish that, as it I’ll be tight squeeze for a A320/B738 sized aircraft.

Surely they would be more suited for aircraft types like the ATR42/72, Dash 8, Embraer 175/190 or Boeing 737-300?