What do "slot allocations" refer to in air traffic control?

Slot allocations refer to the scheduled times assigned to airlines to land, take off, or taxi at congested airports. This system is implemented to manage air traffic efficiently, especially at busy airports where demand often exceeds the available capacity. Each airline is given a specific time slot, which helps coordinate the flow of air traffic and reduces the risk of delays. By having predetermined slots, air traffic controllers can maintain a more orderly and predictable schedule, ensuring safety and efficiency in airport operations. This allocation system is particularly crucial during peak travel times when the volume of flights is substantially higher, allowing airlines to plan their operations around these timeframes.