STAR
Standard Terminal Arrival Route
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is STAR?
A STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) is a published arrival procedure that routes IFR aircraft from the en-route structure to the initial approach fix at a busy airport, using a standardised sequence of waypoints, altitudes, and speed restrictions that simplifies ATC sequencing into the terminal area.
How is STAR used?
Inbound IFR flights receive a STAR clearance from ATC ('Descend via the KOMIB 2K arrival'), then fly the published track — often with 'descend via' constraints that require the pilot to meet each step-down altitude without further ATC instruction. Modern STARs are RNAV-based and tightly integrated with flight-management systems that automatically adhere to crossing altitudes and speeds. At the end of a STAR the aircraft arrives at an initial approach fix and transitions to a published instrument approach (ILS, RNP, or visual). Flight crews brief the STAR before top-of-descent including expected runway, speed restrictions, and weather considerations. EASA commercial training covers STAR flying extensively, and airline operators simulate runway change handling on late STAR-to-approach transitions. In slot-constrained European terminal airspace the STAR structure is also used by flow-control centres to meter arrivals hours ahead of top-of-descent. Briefing packages generated by flight-planning systems bundle the STAR chart, weather, NOTAMs, and fuel calculations for the crew.