Simulating air transportation networks under capacity constraints

Abstract

Purpose Congestion as a consequence of the rapidly growing air traffic is one of the outstanding problems of the air transportation industry. Traffic impediment rates, having an increasing acceleration while the airport capacities have been kept constant due to several reasons, cause problems such as arrival/departure delays, schedule interruptions, cancellations and customer dissatisfaction. In this paper, the author aims to study transitioning from a single-hub air transportation system to a multi-hub infrastructure via Monte Carlo simulation. Design/methodology/approach The current hub has reached its capacity limits for long so that the growth potential of the air transportation has been affected adversely. One of the possible remedies suggested by authorities, professionals and academics was to transform the air transportation infrastructure into a multi-hub setting. Current air traffic of the country was modeled by means of simulation. Airport capacities and performances are simulated and analyzed under different scenarios considering a potential alternative hub along with the central one. Possible delays in both hubs are studied in case of moderately increasing traffic congestion. Findings As a result, decreased delay levels in the central hub are observed, whereas no delays are experienced in the potential one in all the scenarios. Originality/value This study, proposing to organize the national and international air traffic of the country while harmonizing the delay rates and increasing the passenger satisfaction, is to contribute significantly to the aviation sector companies, airliners and airport operators by shedding light on the imminent capacity issues air transportation industry is going to face.