Narrative:

On approach to runway 4L at jfk; tower cleared a rj (regional jet) onto the same runway 4L to line up and wait. We saw the aircraft on the end of the runway assuming he would be cleared for immediate takeoff. But then we saw numerous aircraft cleared to taxi across 4L as the rj remained in position and we were cleared to land. This crowding of aircraft; not just at jfk; clearing aircraft for takeoff at the last minute while landing aircraft are approaching the runway; is unacceptable. The rj was finally cleared for takeoff and left the runway as we touched down. The tower knew where we were; knew where the rj was; and yet still cleared aircraft to taxi across the same runway; delaying the takeoff of the rj. Yes; we could have executed a missed approach at any time; even though we were stable at both 1000 and 500 ft. In hindsight; we probably should have. No; we were not going to land with an aircraft still on the runway. But the question is; why was the tower clearing aircraft to cross a runway with an rj who was told to be ready for an immediate takeoff? We thought he would depart at any time; but yet there was an aircraft; and then another; and then another; crossing the runway in front of him. Yes we landed without incident; but ATC should not be putting aircraft in this position.enough of this last minute squeezing of aircraft for takeoff; in front on landing aircraft. I experience this at sna on a regular basis. I've heard numerous clearances for aircraft to line up and wait; prepare for immediate takeoff; with aircraft on short final. What's the hurry? Why is ATC setting up landing aircraft on a stable approach for an unnecessary missed approach?

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737-800 Captain lamented the way ATC packs arriving and departing aircraft together at busy airports.

Narrative: On approach to Runway 4L at JFK; tower cleared a RJ (Regional Jet) onto the same Runway 4L to line up and wait. We saw the aircraft on the end of the runway assuming he would be cleared for immediate takeoff. But then we saw numerous aircraft cleared to taxi across 4L as the RJ remained in position and we were cleared to land. This crowding of aircraft; not just at JFK; clearing aircraft for takeoff at the last minute while landing aircraft are approaching the runway; is unacceptable. The RJ was finally cleared for takeoff and left the runway as we touched down. The tower knew where we were; knew where the RJ was; and yet still cleared aircraft to taxi across the same runway; delaying the takeoff of the RJ. Yes; we could have executed a missed approach at any time; even though we were stable at both 1000 and 500 ft. In hindsight; we probably should have. No; we were not going to land with an aircraft still on the runway. But the question is; why was the tower clearing aircraft to cross a runway with an RJ who was told to be ready for an immediate takeoff? We thought he would depart at any time; but yet there was an aircraft; and then another; and then another; crossing the runway in front of him. Yes we landed without incident; but ATC should not be putting aircraft in this position.Enough of this last minute squeezing of aircraft for takeoff; in front on landing aircraft. I experience this at SNA on a regular basis. I've heard numerous clearances for aircraft to line up and wait; prepare for immediate takeoff; with aircraft on short final. What's the hurry? Why is ATC setting up landing aircraft on a stable approach for an unnecessary missed approach?

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.