How should departure clearances be issued when delays are in progress and aircraft take their delays on the ground?

When managing departure clearances during periods of delay, issuing them in the order the original requests were made, if practicable, is essential for maintaining an organized and fair system for both the aircraft and air traffic control. This approach helps ensure that aircraft are allowed to depart based on their initial request time, thereby respecting the sequence in which they arrived at the departure point. It minimizes confusion and potential conflicts among pilots and air traffic controllers, as it establishes a clear and defined method that can be followed.

Choosing to give clearances in random order could lead to chaos and dissatisfaction among flight crews, as those who have been waiting longer would see others jump ahead without regard for their position. Similarly, issuing clearances based solely on the priorities assigned for departures, while relevant in certain contexts, may not be as effective in times of delay where maintaining logical order based on initial requests is crucial. Lastly, using the order in which delays were requested does not rely on the original sequence and could further complicate matters.

Overall, adhering to the order of original requests promotes fair treatment and orderly operations, which are critical during delays.