Why is zulu time important for international flights?

Zulu time, also known as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), is crucial for international flights because it provides a consistent time standard that is not affected by time zones and daylight saving time changes. When flights cross multiple time zones, using a universal time reference allows all involved parties—airlines, air traffic control, and pilots—to have a clear understanding of flight schedules and timing. This minimizes confusion and ensures that all participants in the aviation process are synchronized, especially when coordinating departure and arrival times across different regions of the world.

In international operations, where various local times can lead to discrepancies, relying on Zulu time helps maintain a standard that can be universally understood, reducing the risk of miscommunication and enhancing safety in flight operations.