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Language Foundation

estimated departure

Estimated departure is the time a flight is expected to leave.

In plain English

This is a predicted time, not a fixed one. It tells when the flight is currently expected to leave. The time may change if that expectation changes.

In context

Here, it labels the current time the flight is expected to leave.

Situation
Checking in, passing airport steps, boarding, connections, and flight status
What it communicates
labels the current expected departure time shown for the flight

Meaning limits

By itself, the term does not confirm that the flight will leave at that exact time.

Examples

“After the runway closure, the estimated departure moved from 14:10 to 15:05.”

Core meaning

“The lounge grew quieter as the estimated departure approached.”

In context

  • departure time Broader Term

    An estimated departure is one kind of departure time.

  • actual departure Contrast

    Estimated departure is an expected time, while actual departure is the time the flight really leaves.