Flight information display system

A flight information display system (FIDS) is a computer system used in airports to display flight information to passengers, in which a computer system controls mechanical or electronic display boards or monitors in order to display arriving and departing flight information in real-time. The displays are located inside or around an airport terminal. A virtual version of a FIDS can also be found on most airport websites and teletext systems. In large airports, there are different sets of FIDS for each terminal or even each major airline. FIDS are used to inform passengers of boarding gates, departure/arrival times, destinations, notifications of flight delays/flight cancellations, and partner airlines, et al.

Flight information display LCD board at Munich Airport
Split flap display at Tokyo International Airport
Modern FIDS display utilising multiple monitors at Melbourne Airport
FIDS at Changi Airport Terminal 2
Part of FIDS display at Hong Kong International Airport
Digital flight information display system in Jeddah Airport

Each line on an FIDS indicates a different flight number accompanied by:

And in the case of departing flights:

  • the check-in counter numbers or the name of the airline handling the check-in
  • the gate number

Due to code sharing, a flight may be represented by a series of different flight numbers. For example, LH 474 and AC 9099, both partners of Star Alliance, codeshare on a route using a single aircraft, either Lufthansa or Air Canada, to operate that route at that given time. Lines may be sorted by time, airline name, or city.

Most FIDS are now displayed on LCD or LED screen, although some airports still use split-flap displays.

References edit