Next-Generation Airport Operations and Management
A special issue of Aerospace (ISSN 2226-4310). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Traffic and Transportation".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 118
Special Issue Editors
2. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
Interests: air traffic management; air transport; airport operation; airport networks; modeling and simulation; data science; flight control
Interests: airline scheduling; airline operations; airport management; airport operations; passenger spending behaviour
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: air transportation; data-driven and model-based environments; predictive analysis; integrated airspace and airport management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Airport operations and management are entering a new era, driven by advances in digital technologies, shifting passenger and cargo demands, and the imperative for more sustainable and efficient processes. From the optimization of passenger and baggage flow to the geoeconomics of air transport networks, there is a pressing need for interdisciplinary research that not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also anticipates the future demands of a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape.
This Special Issue, entitled “Next-Generation Airport Operations and Management”, aims to gather research and case studies showcasing innovative strategies, technologies, and frameworks that will shape the airports of tomorrow. We invite contributions that examine and propose solutions for diverse aspects of airport operations, including scheduling, infrastructure, data-driven insights, and collaborative decision making.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
Airport Networks and Geoeconomics
- Analysis and prediction of current and future air transport networks.
- Modeling passenger and cargo movements, including demand forecasting.
- Interdisciplinary approaches to the economic, political, and geographical factors influencing airport connectivity.
Data-Driven Operations and Scheduling
- Advanced algorithms for gate assignment and resource allocation.
- Predictive analytics and machine learning for real-time operational improvements.
Turnaround Management and Ground Handling
- Process optimization techniques to minimize delays and enhance safety.
- Collaborative decision making among airports, airlines, and ground handlers.
Passenger and Baggage Flow
- Digital twin implementations and sensor-based monitoring.
- Innovative solutions for queue management, wayfinding, and enhanced passenger experiences.
Smart Airport Infrastructure and the IoT
- Internet of Things applications for real-time data collection and analysis.
- Next-generation technology integration to improve operational efficiency and security.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
- Approaches to reduce environmental impact at airports (e.g., emissions, noise).
- Sustainable infrastructure development and green operations.
We welcome original research papers, case studies, and review articles that explore these topics from technological, operational, economic, and policy-oriented perspectives. Submissions that bridge theoretical frameworks with practical implementations—providing actionable insights for airport stakeholders—are particularly encouraged.
Join us in shaping the future of airport operations and management. By participating in this Special Issue, you will contribute to a deeper understanding of how airports can evolve to meet emerging challenges, harness cutting-edge technologies, and deliver unparalleled service while remaining resilient, efficient, and economically viable.
Prof. Dr. Eri Itoh
Dr. Cheng-Lung (Richard) Wu
Prof. Dr. Michael Schultz
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Aerospace is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- data-driven scheduling and gate assignment
- turnaround management optimization
- real-time passenger and baggage flow monitoring
- collaborative decision-making
- smart airport infrastructure
- Internet of Things (IoT) solutions
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