What specifies the exact order in which aircraft are to take off or land?

Sequencing is the process that specifies the exact order in which aircraft are to take off or land at an airport. This involves carefully managing the flow of air traffic to ensure safety and efficiency, especially in busy airspace or airport environments. By establishing a clear sequence, air traffic controllers can minimize delays and prevent collisions, maintaining an orderly operation of airborne and ground traffic.

The other terms relate to different aspects of air traffic management but do not specifically address the order of aircraft movements. Prioritization refers to determining which flights may take precedence, often based on their urgency (like medical emergencies) rather than establishing a strict sequence. Coordination involves the communication between various air traffic control sectors and other stakeholders but does not define the specific order of takeoffs and landings. Navigation pertains to the guidance of aircraft along their flight paths rather than the sequence in which they are cleared for takeoff or landing.