[UI] – Implement terminal-wide flight scheduling instead of gate-specific assignment

:placard: UI – Implement terminal-wide flight scheduling instead of gate-specific assignment

:bullseye: What is your suggestion?
Introduce a terminal-based scheduling option within the airport flight planner.

:hammer_and_wrench: How would it work in the game?
Instead of locking each incoming flight contract strictly to a single designated gate, players should have the choice to assign a contract to an entire terminal zone or concourse. The game AI would then automatically route the arriving aircraft to the first available compatible gate within that specified terminal.

:balance_scale: Why is this a good idea?
• Enhanced operational flexibility: Reduces micro-management headaches by stopping cascading schedule delays when a previous aircraft overstays at a specifically assigned gate.
• Realistic airport management: Mirrors real-world aviation hubs where airlines occupy entire terminal blocks and dynamically dispatch planes to open gates.
• Improved user experience: Simplifies scheduling for large-scale airports, making the contract management interface cleaner and easier to scale.

Honestly, I think a mix of the 2 would be beneficial. Some airlines at some airports do use just 1 gate whereas others will use a full terminal or a select few gates. Would be nice to have that diversity where the game would decide to throw a plane into an empty gate where it’s permitted to do so.

The best thing I would propose: the system itself allows players to create individual groups. It can be one gate/stand per group or multiple gates/stands per group.

This would be a must I think. Take the updated dock A at ZRH. It is equipped with both Schengen and non Schengen gates (the ones that accept E class planes and have a second level for stairs to the secure area for passengers who are yet to proceed through passport control). It would need to be a fairly dynamic system to really give everyone what they want.

Simple addition but would really improve realism in the game. Should divide Schengen gates from Non-Schengen gates if that is a case at the airport however.