Irregular Operations (Irop)
What is Irregular Operations (IROP)?
Irregular Operations (IROP) encompass all situations that cause deviations from a scheduled flight's normal operation. This term covers a wide range of scenarios, such as bad weather, mechanical failures, security issues, or labor strikes that impact the airline's ability to maintain its regular flight schedule. IROPs can affect airlines, passengers, and corporate travelers, leading to unexpected delays, cancellations, or diversions that disrupt travel plans.
Airlines and travel management systems have specific protocols in place for managing IROPs, including rebooking passengers, providing compensation, and offering accommodations or meal vouchers in certain circumstances. For businesses managing corporate travel, IROP events can affect employees’ travel schedules, requiring quick decision-making and alternative arrangements to minimize the impact on productivity.
For corporate travel departments, understanding IROPs is crucial to ensuring that employees are promptly notified of any disruptions and are rebooked efficiently. IROP events may also trigger additional costs, such as overnight stays or alternative transportation, making it important for businesses to track and manage these expenses carefully to maintain budget control.