What does through clearance allow for an aircraft?

Through clearance is a specific type of air traffic authorization that allows an aircraft to make intermediate stops during its journey. It indicates that the aircraft has been cleared by air traffic control to proceed on a designated flight path, which may include stopping at multiple airports along the route. This is particularly useful for flights that may need to refuel or pick up and drop off passengers at various locations without requiring a new clearance for each leg of the journey.

This option reflects the operational flexibility provided by through clearance, which is essential for managing the flow of air traffic efficiently. It contrasts with the concept of non-stop flights, which wouldn’t involve intermediate stops, thus making that option less applicable in this context. Emergency landings typically have separate regulations and do not fall under the standard procedures for through clearance, and changes in flight crews are also not related to the concept of clearance in this sense.