What Is Block Time? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
Block time is the time from when an aircraft leaves the gate (off-blocks) to when it stops at the destination gate (on-blocks).
In plain language
It includes taxiing as well as flying, so it is longer than the time in the air. Airlines use block time to build schedules and crew duty plans.
Example
A flight that is airborne for 1 hour 30 minutes may have a block time of about 2 hours once taxiing is included.
Why it matters
Block time is what you actually spend between gate and gate. Airlines use it to build schedules and crew rosters, so it explains why a short flight can still take much longer than the clock time in the air.