Minimum Connecting Time (MCT)  

1. Introduction

• Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) refers to the shortest time required for a passenger to transfer from one flight to another at an airport.

• It is a standard published by IATA and used by airlines, airports, and reservation systems.

• Purpose: To ensure passengers have enough time to transfer flights without missing connections and to allow airlines/airports to plan smooth operations.

---

2. Why MCT is Important?

1. Passenger Convenience – Ensures travelers don’t miss their onward flight.

2. Operational Planning – Helps airlines and airports manage schedules and avoid delays.

3. Reservation Systems – CRS/GDS (Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo) use MCT while showing possible connections.

4. Safety & Security – Time is needed for baggage transfer, immigration, security checks.

5. Tourism Industry – Travel agents/tour operators rely on MCT to design feasible itineraries.

---

3. Factors Affecting MCT

• Size of Airport – Larger airports need more time for transfers (e.g., Dubai, London Heathrow).

• Domestic vs. International Flights – International transfers require immigration, customs, and security checks → more time.

• Same Terminal vs. Different Terminal – If terminals are far apart, more time is required.

• Airline Alliance/Code Share – Passengers connecting within the same alliance may have shorter MCT due to coordinated services.

• Special Passengers – Passengers with reduced mobility, families with children may need more time.

---

4. Types of MCT

1. Domestic to Domestic (D-D) – For flights within the same country.

   • Example: Mumbai → Delhi → Lucknow.

2. Domestic to International (D-I) – For onward journeys abroad.

   • Example: Delhi → Mumbai → Dubai.

3. International to Domestic (I-D) – After arriving from abroad and connecting to a domestic flight.

   • Example: New York → Delhi → Jaipur.

4. International to International (I-I) – Transit between two international flights.

   • Example: London → Dubai → Sydney.

---

5. Example (How MCT Works in Real Travel)

• Suppose a passenger travels Delhi (DEL) → Dubai (DXB) → New York (JFK).

• At Dubai Airport (DXB):

  • I-I MCT may be 90 minutes.

  • This means the booking system will only confirm flights with at least 1.5 hours gap between arrival and departure.

• If the gap is less than 90 minutes, the system will not allow the booking (to avoid missed connections).

---

6. Importance in Exams / Tourism Industry

• Ticketing – CRS/GDS automatically checks MCT before confirming itineraries.

• Baggage Handling – Bags must also be transferred within the MCT window.

• Tour Planning – Travel consultants use MCT to design hassle-free tours.

• Airport Efficiency – MCT reflects how efficient an airport is in managing passenger transfers.

---

7. Key Takeaways

• MCT = Minimum time needed for safe connection between flights.

• Published by IATA and integrated into GDS/CRS systems.

• Varies depending on airport size, terminals, domestic/international, and security checks.

• Essential knowledge for tourism professionals to create smooth itineraries and improve customer satisfaction.