What Is Pushback? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
Pushback is when a tug pushes an aircraft backwards away from the gate so it can taxi under its own power.
In plain language
Aircraft cannot reverse on their own, so they are pushed back before engine start or taxi. Pushback time is often used as the actual departure time.
Example
You may see a flight marked “departed” at pushback, even though it takes off 10 to 20 minutes later.
Why it matters
Pushback is the moment many airlines start the clock for departure. Seeing “departed” in an app when the aircraft is still on the ground usually means the pushback has happened.