How can a plane depart 45 min late, but arrive only 10 min late?

Question

How can a plane depart 45 min late, but arrive only 10 min late?

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Answer 1

When I was flying for an airline we would often have to slow down or refuse shortcuts to prevent arriving *too* early. If you arrive more than about 10 minutes early often the gate won’t be available or the ground crew won’t be there. Then you just sit on the tarmac waiting, which customers hate.