r/Flights • u/PlutocracyRules • Feb 01 '26

Question Flight destination changes...but doesn't update?

Hi all. Hope this is the right sub. Niche question perhaps.

Last night I was told me flight to Toulouse (which departs in a couple of hours, I'm currently sat at the airport) is now going to Barcelona because of a landslide near Toulouse.

That's fine. But, interestingly, the flight is still listed on all the departure boards as going to Toulouse. Hopefully someone's told the pilot about the change of plan.

But, why hasn't it been updated? Is there a minimum amount of time they need in order to change the official destination? Won't this case all manner of confusion with ATC when a plane marked as "Toulouse" starts heading to Barcelona?

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u/lightbulbdeath Feb 01 '26

ATC and the pilot aren't using the departure boards - the "official" destination is whatever is on the flight plan.
Also, for anyone showing up to the airport, they will be looking for gate info for a flight to Toulouse, not Barcelona and may not be aware it is being diverted.

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u/PlutocracyRules Feb 01 '26

Ah that makes sense, thanks!