Time Calculation

UNIT 3 TIME CALCULATION

Structure

3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Imaginary lines on Earth
3.3 World Time Zones
3.3.1 Prime Meridian and Standard Meridian
3.3.2 Greenwich Mean Time/ Universal Time Coordinated
3.3.3 Standard Clock Time and Daylight-Saving Time
3.4 International Time Calculator
3.4.1 Multiple Time Zone countries
3.5 Time difference between Two Cities
3.6 International Date Line
3.6.1 Importance of International Date Line
3.7 Elapsed Flying Time
3.7.1 Calculation of Elapsed Flying Time
3.7.2 Jetlag
3.8 Let Us Sum Up
3.9 Further Readings
3.10 Clues to Check Your Progress Exercises
3.11 Activities

3.0 OBJECTIVES
After reading this unit you will be able to:
 understand the worldwide time system,
 get clarity on why there are time differences in different areas of the world,
 calculate the local time of a city or area corresponding to GMT/UTC,
 calculate the time differences between two regions; and
 find the elapsed flying time.

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Ever since humans first noticed the movement of sun and earth, time was calculated
based on the position of the sun. Every place was following their local clock till the time
people started travelling, specially inter– continental travel. Once people started traveling
across continents using various travel modes, and crossing major distances; there arose
confusion with regard to the time. Due to the continuous rotation of the earth, cities
have day and night at different times. For example, when it is day in India, it’s night in
Canada. Someone who lives very far away can be just a few hours ahead of you. A 37
Airport Handling passenger after traveling 24 hours, when reaches a city, finds that the local timing of the
city clock is a time little ahead of the same day as starting the journey. While on the
other hand, after a short hour of journey, on reaching the destination, the place shows
a time which is one day ahead. How can it happen? It happens because countries/
regions set different times in the clock based on their location. These are all based on
the rotation of earth on its own axis. International travel and business depend on a
worldwide time system. In this unit we will explain the concept of earth’s rotation and
its impact on time calculation. We will also discuss terms like world time zones, prime
meridian, standard time zones etc. to set global standards in time calculation.

3.2 IMAGINARY LINES ON EARTH

As you have studies in Unit 2, we have certain imaginary lines on earth that gives us the
different Hemispheres. There are few other such imaginary lines of reference. For
example, the spinning of the earth on its axis from west to the east provides us with two
natural points of reference, i.e. North and South Poles. At the same time for identifying
the location of a place, a network of intersecting imaginary lines is drawn - one as
horizontal and another one as vertical on the surface of earth. These imaginary lines are
called Parallels of Latitudes (Latitude) and the Meridians of Longitudes (Longitude)
respectively. They are referred to as geographical coordinates as they represent a
systematic network of lines upon which the position of various surface features of the
earth is dependent. With the help of these lines, the location, distance, and direction of
various points can be easily determined. Latitudes and longitudes are measured in
degrees (°) because they represent angular distances. Each degree is further divided
into 60 minutes (‘) and each minute into 60 seconds (“). Using these as parameters of
time, one can calculate time of a place location.
1. Equator
The imaginary planetary line drawn midway between the North Pole and the South
Pole is called the equator. It is the largest circle and located halfway between the
North Pole and the South Pole. This invisible line that runs around the center of the
Earth at 0° latitude divides the globe into two equal halves-Northern Hemisphere
and Southern Hemisphere. It is also called a great circle since the earth is widest at
its Equator. The distance around Earth at the Equator(circumference) is 40,075
kilometers (24,901 miles).
All other parallel lines get smaller in size when moving towards the poles, in proportion
to their distance from the equator. Distance between the zones is the greatest at
the equator while at the poles it reduces due to the curvature of earth. As the
circumference of the equator is approximately 24,901 miles the distance between
the time zones at the equator is approximately 1,038 miles.
2. Latitudes
Latitudes are horizontal lines parallel to the equator on earth’s surface. They run
east and west around the globe and tell us the distance either north or south of the
Equator. Lines joining places with the same latitudes are called parallels. The value
of equator is 0° and the latitude of the poles are 90°N and 90°S. as mentioned
earlier, Equator is the 0°line and splits earth into two equal halves as northern and
southern hemispheres. Each hemisphere is divided into 90 degrees, from the Equator
38 to the Pole. Lines of latitude get smaller as they get further towards the pole.
 Time Calculation

Figure 3.1 Imaginary lines on Earth’s Surface

In addition to Equator, there are four other major latitudes that are usually found on
maps and globes. The positions of these four latitudes are determined by the Earth’s
axial tilt.
a) The latitude 23° 262 North is also known as the Tropic of Cancer. It marks
the region north of equator on the Earth, where the Sun is directly overhead at
least once a year.
b) The Tropic of Capricorn is the latitude that lies at 23° 262 South of the
Equator. It is the position on the globe, where the Sun is directly overhead
during December
c) The Arctic Circle is the latitude 66° 342 North. All locations falling north of
this latitude are said to be in the Arctic Circle.
d) The Antarctic Circle, on the other hand, is the latitude 66° 342 south. Any
locations in the globe falling south of this latitude are said to be in the Antarctic
Circle.
Places in both the Arctic and Antarctic circles experience the Midnight Sun and polar
night.
3. Longitudes
The meridians of longitude are semicircles that run from pole to pole around the
globe and tells us the distance, east or west, from the Prime-Meridian. In case
opposite meridians are taken together, they complete a circle, but they are valued
separately as two meridians. The meridians intersect the equator at right angles.
They begin at the Prime Meridian and split the Earth into East and West
hemispheres. Unlike the parallels of latitude, they are all equal in length. For the
convenience of numbering, the meridian of longitude passing through the Greenwich
Observatory(near London) has been adopted as the ‘Prime Meridian’ by an
international agreement and has been given the value of 0°.
The longitude of a place is its angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
It is also measured in degrees. Longitudes vary from 0° to 180° eastward and
westward of the Prime Meridian. The east portion of the Prime Meridian is called
the eastern hemisphere and in the west portion is referred to as the western
hemisphere. All the other longitudes are measured and named after the angle they
make with respect to the center of the Earth from the intersection of the Meridian
and the Equator. 39
Airport Handling Since a sphere has 360 degrees, the Earth is divided into 360 longitudes. The meridian
opposite the Prime Meridian (on the other side of the Earth) is 180° longitude and is
known as the anti - meridian. Modern timekeeping systems use longitudes as references
to keep time. Therefore, time zones are defined by the Prime Meridian and the
longitudes.

3.3 WORLD TIME ZONES

The acceptance of the idea of time zones took almost a century. Until the 19th century,
each city followed its own local clock. Sir Sanford Fleming, a Scottish Canadian engineer
took the pain of arguing for a standard time and for an international agreement on
prime time. In 1888, the United Nations and Canada adopted a standard time. In
1884, the International Meridian Conference was held in Washington DC. United
States to determine a meantime in the world. 27 countries attended the conference,
and major nations agreed to use Time Zone Systems.
To understand this concept of time zone, let us understand the shape of the earth. Earth
is a sphere that spins on an imaginary axis and makes a complete rotation in 24 hours;
which is called a complete day. When the earth rotates, parts of the earth receive
sunlight and experience day, while the other side experiences night. In 24 hours, each
place experiences day and night, but at different times. In some cases, due to different
geographical, social and/or political reasons, time zones may deviate from the universal
standards and recommendations as set by international institutions. Governments often
set time differently. For example, some countries have multiple time zones (like Australia),
few others have colonial past and territories are miles away from the mainland (like
France) and few large countries like China have only one time zone regardless of the
territories.

3.3.1 Prime Meridian and Standard Meridian

The International Meridian conference chose the royal observatory at Greenwich,
London, England as the place of Prime Meridian i.e. 0° longitude. Thus, a world
standard was set at Greenwich. Based on earth rotation, the solar day has been divided
into 24 hours and hence, the earth is divided into 24 imaginary zones each corresponding
to one hour of earth’s rotation. These imaginary zones are called time zones, beginning
with the prime meridian in Greenwich. There are 24 longitudes in total, each at 15-
degree intervals called Standard Meridians. Earth revolves 360 every 24 hours or
15 per hour (360/24=15). Hence each standard meridian has a longitudinal difference
of 15 and a time difference of 1 hour. The Prime Meridian is considered as the reference
zone for the calculation of time and is known as 0° meridian, Greenwich meridian, or
prime meridian of the world.
For example, the longitudinal value of New Delhi is 82.5° E (82.5° behind Prime
Meridian). As said earlier, each 15° longitude constitutes one hour difference in time
zone. Hence, the hour difference from Prime Meridian can be calculated as a longitudinal
value divided by 15° i.e., 82.5°/15 = 5.5 hours. This means New Delhi is 05 hours and
30 minutes ahead of Prime Meridian since New Delhi is located East of Prime Meridian.
Sun rises in the East, hence location in East is ahead of Prime Meridian while west is
behind Prime Meridian.
40
 Time Calculation

Figure 3.2: Prime Meridian and International Date Line

3.3.2 Greenwich Mean Time/ Universal Time Coordinated

The time at Greenwich and all the countries in this zone is referred to as Greenwich
Mean Time (GMT); also known as Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). The time in all
other zones can be expressed by referring to GMT or UTC. As it moves eastwards
from the prime meridian, with every standard meridian there is an addition of 01 hour
in the time. If it is 12 noon at Prime Meridian, the time at the first standard meridian on
the right will be 1 pm. Similarly, when it moves towards the west, 1 hour decreases
with each standard meridian. When it is 12 noon at the prime meridian, the first standard
meridian on the west shows the time as 11 am. The sign + (plus) and -(minus) are used
to mention the time relative to GMT/UTC.
GMT+1 =1 Hour ahead of GMT (Towards the east of GMT)
GMT-1 =1 Hour behind GMT(Towards west of GMT) up to GMT +12 and
GMT-12.

3.3.3 Standard Clock Time and Daylight-Saving Time

Depending on the location and the size of a country, few countries fall in different time
zones. In order to maintain the same local time within the national boundaries of a
country, a time is fixed by law, called Standard Clock Time (SCT) or Standard
Time. Prime Meridian is considered as the reference zone for the calculation of time
and known as 0° meridian, Greenwich meridian, or prime meridian of the world.
India falls between the longitude of 68° 7" E and 97° 25" W; officially Indian standard
time is designated at 82.5° E or GMT+ 05.30, which is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of
GMT.
Certain countries modify their standard time during summer by advancing one hour or
a fraction of an hour. This is a way of making better use of the natural dayli setting the
clock forward during the summer months, and back again in autumn. This temporary
change is called Daylight Saving Time (DST). Example: The standard clock time in
41
Airport Handling Germany is one hour ahead of GMT(GMT+1). Germany modifies the standard time
by advancing one hour from 27 March to 30 October every year, thus the standard
time becomes 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+2)

Check Your Progress-1

1. What is the significance of Longitudes and Latitudes?

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2. What is the Time Zone system?
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3. Why are UTC /GMT considered as the reference time zone?
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3.4 INTERNATIONAL TIME CALCULATOR

Time charts are published in all major airline guides. The OAG time calculator given in
the chart in the annexure, lists all country/area wise Standard Clock Time, Daylight
Saving Time and Daylight Saving Time effective periods. Standard Clock Time is
expressed in hours ahead (+) or behind (-) of GMT. Few examples to find the local
time of a city, when GMT is known are given below.
Example 1:
What is the local time in Colombo (CMB), Srilanka when it is 1200 hours GMT?
Answer: In Sri Lanka, the standard time is GMT +6 all year around. This means that
the local time is 6 hours ahead of GMT. Hence, when it is 1200 GMT, local time in
Srilanka is 1800 hours(1200+6).

Figure. 3.3
42
Example 2: Time Calculation

What is the local time in Caracas (CCS), Venezuela when it is 1200hrs GMT?
Answer: Here, it is indicated in the International Time Calculator that the Standard
Clock time of Venezuela is GMT -4 throughout the year. The local time is 4 hours
behind GMT. Hence it is 0800 hours (1200- 4) in Caracas, when it is 1200 hours
GMT

Figure: 3.4

Example 3:
What is the local time of Frankfurt on 1 April when it is 12 00 hours GMT?
Answer: The Standard Local Time of Germany is GMT +1 and the Daylight-Saving
time from 31 March to 26 October is GMT+2. That means, on 1 April, the local time
is 2 hours ahead of GMT and therefore it is 1400 hours in Frankfurt when it is 1200
hours GMT.
Example 4:
What is the local time in Lagos (LOS), Nigeria when it is 1600 hours local time in
Beijing (BJS), China on 22 March?
Answer: In Nigeria, on 22 March the local time is GMT+1, In China, the local time is
GMT+8
This means that the local time in China is 7 hours ahead of the local time of Nigeria
(8- 1=7). Hence, if it is 1600 hours local time in Beijing, it will be 0900 hours in
Nigeria on the same day. If GMT+8= 1600 hours, GMT=1600-8= 08 hours. Local
time in Lagos is GMT+1 , that is 0800+1= 0900 Hours

Figure: 3.5

Example 5
What is the local time in Milan, Italy when it is 0230 in La Paz, Bolivia on 27 May?
Answer: The local time in Italy on 27 May is GMT +1, on the same day the local time
in Bolivia is GMT-4. That means the local time in Italy is 5 hours ahead of Bolivia (+1
– 4 = 5). Therefore, when it is 0230 hours in La Paz, it is 0730 hours (0230 +5) in
Milan on the same day. 43
Airport Handling

-4 +1 +8

LAP Difference 5 hours MXP

Figure: 3.6

3.4.1 Multiple time zone countries

Some countries have many time zones. Large countries such as the USA, Australia,
Canada, Brazil, Greenland, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, have their territories
spread over several time zones and hence different standard times have been established
for different areas/states within the county. These multi-time zone countries have been
marked by two asterisks (**) in the OAG International Time Calculator. The largest
country in the world Russiahas11 time zones and France, a smaller country, has 12
time zones while Brazil has three different time zones.
One example for reference is that of the Country Canada which uses 6 primary time
zones from east to west, namely, Newfoundland time, Atlantic time, Eastern time,
Central time, Mountain time and Pacific time. Most of Canada works on standard
time from 7 November to 12 March and daylight-saving time for the rest of the year.
Offset Time Zone Example city
UTC/GMT-8 Pacific Standard Time Vancouver
UTC/GMT-7 Mountain Standard Time Edmonton
UTC/GMT-6 Central Standard Time Winnipeg
UTC/GMT-5 Eastern Standard Time Toronto
UTC/GMT-4 Atlantic Standard Time Halifax
UTC/GMT-3:30 Newfoundland Standard Time St. Johns Example

China on the other hand is using 5 different time zones, still the country follows a single
time that is Beijing standard time. After the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, the
newly empowered Republic of China established five different time zones in the country,
but in 1949, Mao Zedong declared that all of China would henceforth be on Beijing
time (GMT+8) for the purposes of national unity.
While, in the USA, the standard time is GMT-5 in the Eastern zone, GMT-6 in Central
time, GMT-7 in Mountain time, GMT- 8 in Pacific time, GMT-9 in Alaska, GMT-10
in the Aleutian Islands and Hawaiian Islands. It is GMT-8 in Pacific zone from 13
March to 06 December, Daylight saving time is applicable to all areas except Arizona
and Hawaiian Islands (one hour behind the standard time)

44 Figure 3.7 USA Time zones

 Time Calculation
3.5 TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO CITIES
Calculation of time difference is one of the most important parts of international travel.
One can either gain or loss time while traveling across international borders and time
zones. Let us now find out how to calculate time difference between two points/ cities.
If the local time of the two cities is known, time difference between the points can be
easily determined. In case the local time in both the points is ahead of GMT or behind
GMT, deduct the smaller from the largest figure. For example: Time difference between
the places having local time GMT+3 and GMT+9. Time difference = 9 - 3 i.e. 6 Hours

06 hours

Figure: 3.8

If the local time is ahead of GMT at one point and behind GMT at another point, add
both the figures together. Example: - 0 GMT+ 4 and GMT -8. So, 4+ 8 =12 hours
difference between the points

12 hours

Figure 3.9

Example 1:
Determine the time difference between Manila (MNL), Philippines and Beijing (BJS),
China.
Answer: The Local time in Philippines is GMT+8 and China is also GMT+8
The time difference between MNL and BJS is 8-8=0. Both the places belong to the
same time zone and have the same local time.
Example 2:
Determine the local time between Kingston (KIN), Jamaica and Johannesburg (JNB),
South Africa
Answer: The Local time in Kingston is GMT-5 and Johannesburg is GMT+2 The time
difference between KIN and JNB is 5+2=7 Hours
Example 3:
When the local time in Tunis (TUN), Tunisia on 5 November is 0330 hours, what is
the local time and date in Kathmandu (KTM), Nepal?
45
Airport Handling Answer:
Tunisia local time is GMT+1
Nepal Local time is GMT+5.45
As the local time in both the places are ahead of GMT(GMT+), deduct the smaller
figure from the larger one.
Kathmandu GMT+5.45 -
Tunis GMT+1
Difference: 4 hours 45 minutes
Hence, the local time in Kathmandu is 4 hours 45minutes ahead of Tunis.
When the local time in Tunis is 0330 hours on 5 November, it is 0800 hours on the
same day in Kathmandu.
Example 4
The local time in Dhaka (DAC) Bangladesh is 1500 hours on 21 May, what is the local
time and date in Honolulu (HNL), Hawaiian Islands, USA?
Answer:
Local time in Dhaka, Bangladesh is GMT+6
Local time in Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands is GMT-10
As the local time is ahead of GMT(GMT+) at one point and behind GMT(GMT-) at
the other, add both the figures together.
The time difference between DAC and HNL is 16 Hours (6+10)
The local time in Honolulu is 16 hours behind Dhaka. That is, 1500hours-16 hours
=2300 hours the previous day (20 May)

Figure: 3.10

3.6 INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE (IDL)

As you are now aware, Prime Meridian at 0° longitude passes through Greenwich,
England. There are 24 standard meridians, 12 are towards the west side of the Prime
Meridian and 12 are towards the east side of the Prime Meridian. Starting from 0°, the east
meridian ends at 180°, which is known as 180° East, similarly, from 0°, the west meridian
ends at the same 180° and calls it 180° west; although it is the same imaginary line.
The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line on Earth’s surface at 180°
46 longitude, located halfway around the world from the prime meridian (0° longitude) or
about 180° east (or west) of Greenwich Observatory. Since the lines are not straight Time Calculation
as it appears, it is also called the ‘Line of Demarcation’. The time at this longitude is
exactly 12 hours from the 0° longitude, irrespective of whether one travels westward
or eastward from the Prime Meridian. As the earth moves from west to east, one who
moves back to the west by crossing the Prime Meridian is going back to the time
(gains time)and if one moves forward towards the east by crossing the prime meridian
goes ahead of the time(loses time).
Crossing IDL makes the calculation of time difference a little complicated since travelers
either gain or lose a day during the process. Time increases east of the Prime Meridian
and decreases to its west. Therefore, when a person crosses the IDL traveling towards
west the day changes to the following day-Monday would immediately become Tuesday.
Passenger crossing IDL going east gains a day, which means for him Tuesday becomes
Monday.
The International Date Line (IDL) or the line of demarcation is the boundary between
one day and the next. This line runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and marks
the divide between the Western and Eastern Hemisphere. It is not straight but zigzags
to avoid political and country borders as well as to avoid cutting some countries in half.
East and West of IDL the date differs, and hence the must be considered as a wall
which cannot be crossed when calculating the time difference.
For example, a passenger departs on Wednesday morning from Honolulu to Tokyo.
She/He can reach within 9 hours by flight, but it would be the next day, i.e. Thursday
in Tokyo as the International Date Line is crossed from east to west (loses a day).
Similarly, if someone travels from Tokyo on a Wednesday morning and comes back to
Honolulu, he will arrive on Tuesday because the International Date Line is crossed by
traveling west to east (gains a day).

3.6.1 Importance of International Dateline

International Date Line brings coordination between international airlines, transportation
services, economic and trade activities. The accurate calculations of the day and time
are possible due to IDL. The International Date Line has no legal international status
and countries are free to choose the dates that they observe.

Figure. 3.11 : International Date Line 47

Airport Handling Example 1: A passenger who flew from Hong Kong (HKG) on 2 September at 1230
hrs reached Los Angeles (LAX) after 12 hours 20 minutes in a nonstop flight.
The expected time of arrival is 0020 hrs on 3 September. Upon arrival, he had to
adjust his clock to 2050 hrs on 02 September. How did he reached a day earlier than
expected?

Figure: 3.12

Answer: The local time in Hongkong is 8 hours ahead of GMT/UTC(GMT+8) and

Los Angeles is 8 hours behind GMT(GMT-8). The time difference between the cities
is 16 hours (8+8). Hongkong is 16 hours ahead of Los Angles. So actually, when the
flight departed, it was 16 hours behind the actual time of Hongkong, which is 2030 hrs
on 1 September. When the travel time is added the time becomes 2050 hrs on 2
September.
This is because the passenger crossed the International Dateline from east to west
while traveling from Hongkong to Los Angeles and hence he gained a day.
Example 2: Nadi (NAN) in Fiji and Apia(APW) in Samoa are islands very close to
each other, around 1,225 km. But when it is Sunday in Nadi, it is Saturday in Apia.
Why is this difference in time between these two neighboring islands?
Answer: Samoa, the local time is GMT-11. There is a difference of 23 hours here. The
local time in Nadi is 23 hours ahead of Apia.
Nadi and Apia are separated by the International Dateline. When the IDL is crossed
eastbound (from Nadi to Apia) a day is gained. For example, a passenger flying from
Nadi on Monday, reaches Apia in two hours, but when reaches it will be Sunday in
Apia.
When IDL is crossed westbound (From Apia to Nadi), one loses a day. For example,
a passenger flying from Apia on Monday, reaches Nadi in two hours, but when reaches
it will be Tuesday in Apia.

Figure: 3.13

It is to be noted that International Dateline can not be crossed while calculating the
time difference. It can be done only by using GMT/UTC.
48
 Time Calculation
3.7 ELAPSED FLYING TIME
The transport time is the number of hours and minutes from the time of departure at the
airport of origin until the time of arrival at the airport of final destination. This includes
eventual transit and/or transfer times. This is also known as Elapsed Flying time.
Elapsed Flying time is the time between the departure and arrival times – ramp to ramp
– in minutes. This includes any stopover time if the flight involves one or more stops.
Elapsed time is an important concept in Air transportation, especially with long
international air travel. In such journeys, long distances are covered in a short time and
different time zones are crossed when they travel to regions with different time zones.
It sometimes creates confusion regarding the time. Passengers may have to adjust their
watches after arrival. If the origin and destination fall in different time zones, calculating
the travel time is also not so easy. The city’s local times have to be converted into
GMT/UTC, and then the difference could be calculated.
Example: A passenger who flew from Hong Kong (HKG) on 2 September at 1230
hrs. reached Los Angeles(LAX) after 12 hours 20 minutes in a nonstop flight. The
expected time of arrival is 0020 hrs. on 3 September. Upon arrival, he had to adjust
his clock to 2050 hrs on 02 September. He reached a day earlier than expected.
The local time in Hongkong is 8 hours ahead of GMT/UTC (GMT+8) and Los Angeles
is 8 hours behind GMT(GMT-8). The time difference between the cities is 16 hours
(8+8). Hongkong is 16 hours ahead of Los Angles. So actually, when the flight departed,
it was 16 hours behind the actual time of Hongkong, which is 2030 hrs on 1 September.
When the travel time is added the time becomes 2050 hrs on 2 September.

3.7.1 Calculation of Elapsed Flying Time

The Elapsed Flying Time (transport time) is the number of hours and minutes from the
time of departure at the airport of origin until the time of arrival at the airport of final
destination. This includes eventual transit and/or transfer times. Elapsed Flying Time is
the time between the departure and arrival times – ramp to ramp – in minutes. This
includes any stopover time if the flight involves one or more stops. Calculating Elapsed
time is an important concept in air transportation, especially in long international travel.
There are confusions regarding the travel time when origin and destination cities belong
to different time zones. Hence, when there is a time difference between origin and
destination cities, both the local times need to be converted into GMT/UTC before
calculating the travel time.
Example 1: Flight departs from New York on 9 September at 2055 hrs. and reaches
Doha, Qatar on 10 September at 1625 hrs. What is the Elapsed flying time?
Answer: New York and Doha are located in two different time zones and hence we
can’t add or subtract the local times.
The first step to find elapsed flying time for any flight schedule, departure, and arrival
time need to be changed to GST/UTC. In this flight schedule, New York and Doha are
in different time zones. The local time in New York, USA is 4 hours behind GMT
(GMT- 4 Eastern, daylight-saving time). Therefore, the flight departed from New York
when it was 0055 hours GMT (2055+4=0055 hrs.)
49
Airport Handling The GMT/UTC time in New York is when the local time of Doha, Qatar is 3 hours
ahead of GMT(GMT+3). So, the flight arrived at Doha, Qatar when it was 1325
hours GMT. (1625-3=1325 hrs) on 10 September. The Elapsed flying time is calculated
by subtracting the departure time from arrival time (in GMT).Arrival time in GMT is
1325 hours, 10th September and departure time in GMT is 0055 hours 9th September.
Elapsed flying time=Arrival Time-Departure time (in GMT) which is 12hours
30minutes.
Example 2: A flight departs Sydney on 10 June at 2055hrs and reaches London
Heathrow Airport at 1620 hours, the next day. What is the Elapsed flying time of the
journey?
Answer: The local time in Sydney, Australia is 10 hours ahead of GMT(GMT+10)
The local time in London, UK is GMT time
Hence it is clear that the flight departed from Sydney when it is 1055 hours GMT
(20:55-10=10:55) on 10 June and arrives London when it is 1620 hours GMT on 11
June
Elapsed time=Arrival time-departure time (in GMT) i.e. 1620 hours (on 11 June)-
1055 hours (on 10 June) =29 Hours 25 Minutes (Add 24 hours to the difference 05
hours 25minutes)
Example 3: A flight departs from Singapore on 17 June at 2210 hrs and reaches
Vancouver on the next day at 1450 hrs. Calculate the Elapsed flying time.
Answer: The local time in Singapore is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8). The flight
departed Singapore at 1410 hours GMT (2210-8) on 17 June.
The local time in Vancouver, Canada is 7 hours behind GMT(GMT-7, Pacific Daylight-
Saving time). The arrival time in GMT is 2150 hours (1450 +7) on 18 June.
Elapsed flying time= (2150+ 24) -1450=31 Hours. (24 hours is added as the arrival is
on the next day)
Usually, flight arrivals one day before and/or after are highlighted in airline timetables
by special signs printed next to the time of arrival at the destination.

3.7.2 Jetlag
Jetlag is the temporary sleeping disorder experienced when someone is traveling in
different time zones. Jet Lag is caused by disruption of the ‘body clock’ and affects
most air travelers crossing five or more time zones. Fatigue and related symptoms are
experienced by travellers when taking long airline trips, and while crossing multiple
time zones. The ‘internal clock’ of the body gets confused when the time zones are
changed. As and when a passenger flies from San Francisco to Rome which has a
difference of 9 time zones, the body does not understand the difference and hence may
wake up in the middle of the night or may feel sleepy during daytime. The incidence
and severity of jet lag increase with the number of time zones. Sleepiness, insomnia,
headache, indigestion, irritability, or lack of concentration are common for those who
have jetlag. It is observed that these symptoms persist for one day per time zones
crossed and it varies from person to person.
50
 Time Calculation
Check Your Progress-2

1. How to determine the time difference between two cities if the local times are
known?
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
2. What is the International Date Line? Why is the International Date Line important?
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
3. How is Elapsed Flying Time calculated?
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
4. What is Jetlag?
.....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................

3.8 LET US SUM UP

At any given moment, time would be different in different places / cities of the world.
Knowledge about a few imaginary lines is important to understand the concept of time
difference. These imaginary lines namely, the Equator, Prime meridian, Longitudes,
Latitudes, and International Datelines explains the worldwide time system. As people
started traveling long distances in a short time, the idea of solar time was replaced
through the Internationally accepted Greenwich Mean Time/Universal Time
Coordinated. By following this GMT, the complexities of time differences were easily
overcome. The idea of time zones defines and establishes appropriate time within
counties/regions, which practically has an enormous impact on Transport, business,
communication and world management. It is imperative for a tourism professional to
know about the time difference between cities and destination to be successful.

3.9 FURTHER READINGS

1. IATA Course study material & E- Library Publications
2. Boniface, B. G., & Cooper, C. P. (2001). Worldwide destinations: The
geography of travel and tourism. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
51
Airport Handling
3.10 CLUES TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
EXERCISES

Check Your Progress–1

1. See section 3.2 and frame your answer

2. See section 3.3 and frame your answer
3. See section 3.3 and frame your answer

Check Your Progress–2

1. See section 3.4 and frame your answer

2. See section 3.6 and frame your answer
3. See section 3.7 and frame your answer
4. See section 3.7 and frame your answer

3.11 ACTIVITIES
1. Identify the longitude, Latitude and the corresponding time zones of any 10 cities
of the world
2. Practice to find the time difference between the major tourist destinations of the
world
3. Find any 5 travel itinerary/route where International Dateline is crossed.
4. Practice to calculate the Elapsed flying time of flights in different routes

ANNEXURE – INTERNATIONAL TIME CALCULATOR

A Hour CST + Day Capital Territory, NSW +10.30

Time CGST (excluding Lord Howe
Afghanistan + 4.30 Islandand Broken Hill),
Victoria +10 +11 02 Oct 01 Apr
Albania +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct
Northern Territory +9.30
Algeria Queensland +10 +10.30 02 Oc -01 Apr
Andorra +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct South Australia, Broken Hill +9.30 01 Apr
Western Australia +8
Angola +1 Tasmania +10 +11 02 Oct 01 Apr
Anguilla, Leeward Islands -4
Austria +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct
Antarctica -4
Azerbaijan +4 +5 27 Mar 30 Oct
Antigua and Barbuda,
Leeward Islands -4 B Hours OST Day
+GST
Argentina -3
Bahamas -5 -4 13 Mar -06 Nov
Armenia +4 +5 27 Mar 30 Oct
Bahrain +3
Aruba
Bangladesh +6
Australia ** -4
Lord Howe Island +11 02Oct 01 Apr Barbados -4
52
 Time Calculation

Belarus +2 +3 27 Mar 30 Oct Saskatchewan -6

Mountain areas not
Belgium +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct
observing DST -7
Belize -6
Cape Verde -1
Benin +1
Cayman Islands -5
Bermuda -4 -3 13 Mar -06 Nov
Central African Republic +1
Bhutan +6
Chad +1
Bolivia -4 Chile **
Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Mainland -4 -3 09 Oct -10 Mar
S aba -4 Easter Island -6 -5 08 Oct -10 Mar
Bosnia and Herzegovina +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct China +8

Botswana +2 Chinese Taipei +8

Brazil ** Christmas Island, Indian

Alagias, Amapa, Bahla, Ocean +7
Ceara, Maranhao, Para,
Paraiba, Pernambuco, Cocos (Keeling) Islands +6.30
Piaul, Colombia -5
Rio Grande do Norte,
Comoros +3
Sergipe,
Tocantins -3 Congo +1
Amazonas, Rondonia, Congo Democratic
Roraima, Acre, -4 Republic of **
Fernando De Noronha, -2 Kinshasa, Bandundu
Espirito Santo, Distrito Bas-Congo, Equateur +1
Parana, Rio De Janeiro, Rio Kasai, Kivu, Maniema,
Grande do Sul, Santa Katanga, Oriental +2
Catarina, Sao Paulo -3 -2 16 Oct 25 Feb
Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso -4 -3 16 Mar 25 Feb Cook Islands -10
do S ul Costa Rica -6
Brunel Darussalam +8 Cote D’lvoire GMT
Bulgaria +2 +3 27 Mar 30 Oct Croatia +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct
Burkina Faso GMT Cuba -5 -4 20 Mar 30 Oct
Burundi +2 Curacao -4
C Hours OST Day Cyprus +2 +3 27 Mar 30 Oct
+GST
Czech Republic +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct
Cambodia +7
D Hours OST Day
Cameroon +1 +GST
Canada ** Denmark +1 +2 27 Mar 30 Oct
Newfoundland Island Djibouti +3
(excluding Labrador) -3.30 -2.30 13 Mar 06 Nov
Atlantic area including Dominica +4
Labrador -4 -3 13 Mar 06 Nov Dominican Republic -4
Eastern Time -5 -4 13 Mar 06 Nov
Central Time except E Hours OST Day
Saskatchewan -6 -5 13 Mar 06 Nov +GST
Mountain Time Zone -7 -6 13 Mar 06 Nov Ecuador **
Pacific Time -8 -7 13 Mar 06 Nov Mainland -5
Atlantic Areas not Galapagos Islands -6
observing DST -4
Egypt +2
Eastern areas not
observing DST -6 E I Salvador -6
53
Airport Handling

Equatorial Guinea +1 Hong Kong (SAR) China +8

Eritrea +3 Hungary +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
E s tonia +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct J Hours DST Day
E thiopia +3 GMT GMT DS

F Our OST Day Iceland GMT

+ GST India +5.30
Falkland Islands -3 Indonesia **
Faroe Islands GMT +1 27 Mar - 30 Oct Western including sumatera
Jawa, Kalimantan Barat and
Fiji +12
Kalimantan Tengah +7
Finland +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct Central including Sulawesl,
France +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct Kalimantan Selatan,
Kalimantan Timur and Nusa
French Guiana -3
Tenggara +8
French Polynesia ** Eastern including Maluku
Marquesas Islands -9.30 and Papua
French Polynesia except
Marquesas Island and Iran Islamic Republic of +3.30 +4.30 22 Mar-21 Sep
Gambier Island -10 Iraq +3
Gambier Island -9
Ireland Republic of GMT +1 27 Mar - 30 Oct
G Hours DST Day
GMT GMT DS Israel +2 +3 01 Apr - 02 Oct

Gabon +1 Italy +2 +3 01 Apr - 02 Oct

Gambia GMT J Hours DST Day

GMT GMT DS
Georgia +4
Jamaica -5
Germany +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Japan +9
Ghana GMT
Gibraltar +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct Jordan +2 +3 01 Apr - 27 Oct

Greece +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct K Hours DST Day

GMT GMT DS
Greenland **
Greenland except Pituffik, Kazakhstan **
Ittoqqortoormiit, Nerlerit Aktau, Atyrau, Aktyubinsk
Inaat -3 -2 26 Mar - 29 Oct Uralsk +5
P ituffik -4 -3 13 Mar - 06 Nov Almaty, Astana, Karaganda
Ittoqqortoormiit, Nerlerit Kokshetau, Kostanay,
Inaat -1 GMT 27 Mar -30 Oct Kyzl-Orda, Petropavlovsk,
Grenada, Windward Islands -4 Semipalatinsk, Shimkent,
Ust-Kamenogorsk +6
Guadeloupe -4
Kenya +3
Guam +10
Kiribati**
Guatemala -6
Gilbert Islands +12
Guinea GMT Line Islands +14
Gulnea-Bissau GMT Phoenix Islands +13

Guyana -4 Korea Democratic People’s

Republic of +9
H Hours DST Day
GMT GMT DS Korea Republic of +9
Haiti -5 Kuwait +3

54 Honduras -6 Kyrgyzstan +6
 Time Calculation

L Hours DST Day Monaco +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct

GMT GMT DS
Mongolia +8
Lao People’s Democratic Montenegro +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Republic +7
Montserrat, Leeward
Latvia +2 +3 27 Mar -30 Oct Islands +4
Lebanon 02 +3 27 Mar -30 Oct Morocco GMT +1 03 Mar - 31 Jul
Lesotho +2 Mozambique +2
Liberia GMT Myanmar +6.30
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya +2 N Hours DST Day
Liechtenstein +1 +2 27 Mar -30 Oct GMT GMT DS

Lithuania +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct Namibla +1 +2 04 Sep - 01 Apr

Nauru +12
Luxembourg +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Nepal +5.45
M Hours DST Day
GMT GMT DS Netherlands +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Macao (SAR) China New Caledonia +11
Macedonia Former New Zealand **
Yugoslav Republic of +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct Mainland except Chatham
Island +12 +13 25 Sep - 01 Apr
Madagascar +3 Chatham Islands +12.4 +13.45 25 Sep -01Apr
Malawi +2 Nicaragua -6
Malaysia +8 Niger +1
Maldives +5 Nigeria +1
Mali GMT Niue -11
Malta +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct Norfolk Island +11.30
Marshall Islands +12 Northern Mariana Islands
(except Guam) +10
Martinique -4
Norway +1 +2 27 Mar – 30 Oct
Mauritania GMT
O Hours DST Day
Mauritius +4
GMT GMT DS
Mayotte +3
Oman +4
Mexico ** P Hours DST Day
Mexico, Rest -6 -5 03 Mar - 30 GMT GMT DS
Baja Caligornia Sur, Pakistan +5
Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sinaloa -7 -6 03 Apr -30 Palau +9
OctBaja Caligornia Norte -8 -7 03 Apr - 30 Oct
Panama -5
S onora -7
Piedras Negras, Nuevo Papua New Gulnea +10
Paraguay -4 -3 02 Oct - 07 Apr
Laredo, Reynosa,
Matamoros, Peru -5
Cludad Acuna -6 -5 13 Mar - 06
Phillppines +8
NovCludad Juarez -7 -6 13 Mar - 06
NovTijuana, Mexicall -8 -7 13 Mar - 06 Nov Pitcairn Islands -8

Micronesia Federated Poland +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct

States Of** Portugal**
Except Kosrae, Pohnpel +10 Mainland and Madeira GMT +1 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Kosrae, Pohnpel +11 Azores -1 GMT 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Moldova Republic of +2 +3 27 Mar -30 Oct Puerto Rico -4 55
Airport Handling

Q Hours DST Day Soloman Islands +11

GMT GMT DS
Somalia +3
Qatar
South Africa +2
R Hours DST Day Spain**
GMT GMT DS Mainland, Balearics, Melilla,
Reunion +4 Ceuta +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Canary Islands GMT +1 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Romania +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Sri Lanka +5.30
Russian Federation**
Kaliningrad +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct Sudan +3
Moscow, St Petersburg, Suriname -3
Astrakhan, Naryan Mar,
Izhevsk, Samara +3 +4 27 Mar - 30 Oct Swaziland +2
Perm, Nizhnevartovsk, Sweden +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Ekaterinburg +5 +6 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Switzerland +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Omsk, Novosibirk, Kemerovo +6 +7 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Norilsk, Kyzyl +7 +8 27 Mar - 30 Oct Syrian Arab Republic +2 +3 01 Apr - 27 Oct
Bratsk, Ullan-Ude +8 +9 27 Mar - 30 Oct T Hours DST Day
Chita, Yakutsk +9 +10 27 Mar - 30 Oct GMT GMT DS
Khabarovsk, Vladivostok,
Yuzhno- Sakhalinsk +10 +11 27 Mar - 30 Oct Tajikistan +5
Magadan, Chukotka, Tanzania United Republic of +3
Kamchatka +11 +12 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Thailand +7
R wanda +2
Timor Leste +9
S Hours DST Day
Togo GMT
GMT GMT DS
Tonga +13
Saint Barthelemy -4
Trinidad and Tobago -4
Saint Helena GMT
Tunisla +1
Saint Kitts and Nevis,
Leeward Islands -4 Turkey +2 +3 28 Mar - 30 Oct
Turkmenistan +5
Saint Lucia -4
Turks and Caicos Islands -5 -4 13 Mar - 06 Nov
St Maarten (Dutch Part) -4
Tuvalu +12
Saint Martin -4 U Hours DST Day
Saint Pierre and Miquelon -3 -2 13 Mar - 06 Nov GMT GMT DS
St Vincent and the Uganda +3
Grenadines -4 Ukralne +2 +3 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Samoa -11 United Arab Emirates +4
San Marino +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct United Kindom GMT +1 27 Mar - 30 Oct
Sao Tome and Principe GMT United States Minor Outlying
Saudi Arabia +3 Islands**
Johnston Atoli -10
Senegal GMT Midway Island -11
Serbia +1 +2 27 Mar – 30 Oct Wake Island +12

Seychelles +4 USA**
Eastern Time except Indian -5 -4 13 Mar -06 Nov
Sierra Leone GMT Central Time -6 -5 13 Mar -06 Nov
Singapore +8 Mountain Time except
Arizona -7 -6 13 Mar -06 Nov
S lovakia +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct Mountain Time Zone –
56 S lovenia +1 +2 27 Mar - 30 Oct Arizona -7
 Time Calculation

Pacific Time -8 -7 13 Mar - 06 Nov Virgin Islands, US -4

Alaska -9 -8 13 Mar - 06 Nov
W Hours DST Day
Aleutian Islands -10 -9 13 Mar - 06 Nov
Hawalian Islands -10 GMT GMT DS

Uruguay -3 -2 02 Oct - 11 Mar Wailis and Futuna Islands +12

Uzbekistan +5 Y Hours DST Day

GMT GMT DS
V Hours DST Day
GMT GMT DS Yemen +3
Vanuatu +11 Z Hours DST Day
Venezuela -4.30 GMT GMT DS

Viet Nam +7 Zambia +2

Virgin Islands, British -4 Zimbabwe +2

57