A tour operator or organization hires an entire aircraft for a specific route and date rather than buying individual seats on a scheduled service. That arrangement is a charter flight. It moves a defined group of passengers according to the charterer's needs.

Charters serve holiday packages, sports teams, corporate groups, and routes with seasonal demand spikes. The aircraft may be supplied by a specialist charter airline or by a scheduled carrier using spare capacity. Departure times and airports can be more flexible than scheduled networks allow.

Passengers usually buy the flight as part of a package rather than as a standalone ticket. Service levels and aircraft age vary. When demand falls short, charter programs can be cancelled or consolidated, which creates risk for travelers. For the right group size and itinerary, a charter remains an efficient solution.

• Flight hired entirely for a specific group or purpose
• Common in package tourism and group travel
• Offers scheduling flexibility compared with regular services
• Usually sold as part of a broader package