Search Results (40)

Accurate short-term passenger forecasts help regional airports align capacity with demand and plan investments effectively. Drawing on quarterly traffic data for 2010–2024 supplied by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority, this study employs Holt–Winters exponential smoothing to predict passenger volumes at Szczecin–Goleniów Airport for 2025. Additive and multiplicative formulations were parameterized with Excel Solver, using the mean absolute percentage error to identify the better-fitting model. The additive version captured both the steady post-pandemic recovery and pronounced seasonal peaks, indicating that passenger throughput is likely to rise modestly year on year, with the highest loads expected in the summer quarter and the lowest in early spring. These findings suggest the airport should anticipate continued growth and consider adjustments to terminal capacity, apron allocation, and staffing schedules to maintain service quality. Because the Holt–Winters method extrapolates historical patterns and does not incorporate external shocks—such as economic downturns, policy changes, or public health crises—its projections are most reliable over the short horizon examined and should be complemented by scenario-based analyses in future work. This study contributes to sustainable airport management by providing a reproducible, data-driven forecasting framework that can optimize resource allocation with minimal environmental impact. Full article

Airports are facing significant challenges due to the increasing number of air travel passengers. After a significant downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, airports are implementing measures to enhance security and improve their level of service in response to rising demand. However, the rising passenger volume has led to increased congestion and longer waiting times, undermining operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. While most previous studies have focused on static modeling or infrastructure improvements, few have addressed the problem of dynamically allocating passengers in real-time. To tackle this issue, this study proposes a mathematical model with a dynamic rescheduling framework to balance the workload across multiple departure areas where security screening takes place, while minimizing the negative impact on passenger satisfaction resulting from increased walking distances. The proposed model strategically allocates departure areas for passengers in advance, utilizing data-based predictions. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model was developed and evaluated through discrete event simulation (DES). Real operational data provided by Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) were used to validate the model. Comparative simulations against four baseline strategies demonstrated superior performance in balancing workload, reducing waiting passengers, and minimizing walking distances. In conclusion, the proposed model has the potential to enhance the efficiency of the security screening stage in the passenger departure process. Full article

Airport terminals are considered transitional spaces in travelers’ journeys. They tend to be globalized in architectural features, competing to show their superiority by using the latest technologies and contemporary designs, yet it is often forgotten that they are the gateways to their host cities and that they should reflect their identity. This paper aims to investigate the impact of adopting the identity of the host city in the terminal’s design through different identity indicators, asking if it would enhance the user’s experience and motivate the passengers to explore the cultural side of the city. Through the analysis of four major airports in Saudi Arabia, identity indicators in the architectural design and interior settings were explored to understand how identity is reflected in each airport. A questionnaire was distributed to delve more into the impact of these identity indicators on the passengers’ experiences in the different spaces in the four airports. It appeared that these indicators create a sense of attachment and interaction between the users and the spaces, transforming them into places that have the potential to enhance travelers’ journeys and emotions to present a memorable and sustainable cultural user experience, elevating the quality of their trips. Full article

With the rapid expansion of the aviation industry, pier-style departure lounges have become increasingly prevalent in modern airport terminals. Unlike traditional long enclosures—such as corridors, tunnels, and subway stations—airport terminal piers feature unique geometries, volumes, and interior finishes which complicate sound propagation. To address the paucity of objective acoustic data in these expansive environments, this study performed in situ measurements of impulse responses and sound pressure levels in two piers with distinct shapes and volumes within the same terminal. Key acoustic parameters, including the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (L_Aeq), early decay time (EDT), reverberation time (T₃₀), definition (D₅₀), and speech transmission index (STI), were analyzed. The results reveal that EDT and T₃₀ increase significantly with distance from the sound source, while D₅₀ and STI decrease correspondingly. Specifically, compared to Pier B, which has a smaller cross-sectional area and a single-sided layout, Pier A, characterized by a larger cross-sectional area and a double-sided layout, exhibits a faster sound attenuation when the receiver is positioned closer to the source and a longer reverberation time when the receiver is farther from the source. Notably, STI does not differ significantly between the two piers. These findings enhance the understanding of acoustic behavior in large-span, elongated airport piers and provide valuable guidance for optimizing the acoustic environment of departure lounges to improve passenger comfort. Full article

Today’s airport passenger terminals are required to be planned and designed to ensure flexibility for future adjustments at minimal cost, but also to respond to changes in demand and/or needs of passengers, airlines, and aircraft. To achieve these goals for airports and their operators, planning must be flexible and balanced. Recent data show that the airline business model of low-cost carriers continues to grow, especially after the pandemic. The analysis of the passenger traffic demand and shares of airline business models against the capacity of the existing airport terminal facilities can indicate whether certain adjustments are needed to meet the future conditions. In this research, forecasting of traffic demand and shares of airline business models was made. The forecasting tools of Python and MS Excel were used. Based on traffic demand forecasts and the dominant airline business model, guidelines for future airport terminal planning were proposed for the case-study airport. An example of the adjustment of airport terminal facilities at Pula Airport passenger terminal is provided using AutoCAD, according to forecasted traffic demand and the dominant share of low-cost carriers. Full article

Grasping the effective carrying capacity of airport hub subway stations in real-time serves as the foundation for enhancing the safety assurance capability of the hub. Starting from the perspectives of multiple subsystems, including people, stations, and trains, and combining passenger flow, system structure, and multiple attributes of trains, a system dynamics (SD) model for passenger travel in airport hub subway stations is established. The model is simulated using Vensim PLE 5.9d to analyze the effective carrying capacity of the transfer system under the existing configuration and layout of transfer facilities and equipment in the hub. The model features a modular architecture and interface, enabling quick and easy model establishment, and adapts to various configurations and operational characteristics of airport hub subway stations in a user-friendly manner. Multiple sensitivity simulation analysis experiments are designed to analyze changes in passenger flow density from multiple perspectives. This method can calculate the effective carrying capacity of airport hub subway stations, providing a scientific basis for planning, construction, and operational management. The effectiveness of the model is verified by analyzing the Pudong International Airport terminal subway station. Full article

Based on the projected growth in passenger air traffic and the need for better utilization of existing capacities, the level of service (LOS) concept in the design and planning of airport terminal facilities is crucial. By monitoring and quickly responding to expected changes in passengers’ and airlines’ needs, better utilization of airport terminal facilities in the passenger terminal can be achieved. The factors that influence the level of service (LOS) from the passenger perspective were evaluated in order to improve the user experience. Definitions of the level of service, key indicators of customer satisfaction, and a decision-making process using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method are described. A survey questionnaire was developed, passengers’ preferences were collected, and an analysis of the results was conducted. A hierarchical AHP decision-making model with associated criteria and sub-criteria was developed to determine the optimal level of service for low-cost carriers. Finally, by using the AHP model, new spatial–temporal parameters for the optimal level of service (LOS) for low-cost carriers (LCCs) are proposed, developed, and presented. The main objective is to adjust the existing LOS concept considering the business characteristics of low-cost carriers, in order to improve the efficiency of airport terminal facilities. Full article

As the civil aviation market is in a state of continuous growth, the architecture of passenger airport terminals needs to follow the industry’s constant development. The objective of this research is to investigate the current state of terminals in Poland in relation to the aspects of representativeness and low-tech sustainability solutions incorporated into design strategies. The conducted study is a critical review of existing literature followed by a case study of relevant examples of airport terminals, from an architectural perspective. The main findings show that seemingly contradicting principles can co-exist in particular spectra of design. The broadly used big shed design method, which provides terminal buildings with an adequate level of prominence, can also facilitate sustainable solutions, especially in the areas of user comfort, energy efficiency and life cycle assessment, i.e., buildings are easily adaptable, what is demanded by constantly evolving operational models and increasing airport terminal capacities. As further improvements are definitely needed to answer the increasing demand for a reduction in the carbon footprint of buildings, changes are desirable and should focus on establishing an adequate balance between a sustainable approach and the urge to create representative, state-of-the art terminal buildings. Full article

This study explores energy consumption, thermal performance, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in terminal buildings. Through detailed thermal analysis, this research identifies key sources of heat loss, such as thermal bridges in walls and windows, which significantly increase energy demands for heating. IEQ measurements show that the lack of mechanical ventilation, combined with high passenger densities, frequently leads to CO₂ levels exceeding recommended thresholds, highlighting the urgent need for improved ventilation systems. Energy requirements were calculated based on the TS 825 standard and compared to actual consumption data, showing that optimizing boiler settings could save 22% of heating energy without any additional investment. Simulations and economic analyses further showed that adding thermal insulation to the building envelope and installing double-glazed windows with improved U-values could achieve significant energy savings and reduce CO₂ emissions, all with favorable payback periods. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of these interventions, demonstrating significant reductions in the airport’s carbon footprint. The findings underscore the importance of aligning operational standards with international guidelines, such as ASHRAE and CIBSE, to ensure thermal comfort and optimize energy use. Full article

This paper introduces a simulation model designed as a decision-making tool to assess and analyze various crowd management strategies with a focus on enhancing sustainability in airport operations. This model specifically addresses the challenges and risks associated with managing passenger flows within airport terminals. By simulating different scenarios, the model aims to provide valuable insights into how to effectively handle crowd dynamics and enhance overall terminal efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This case study was conducted at Henri Coanda International Airport, ARENA 12 simulation software being used in order to model the passenger flows within the airport terminal. Two scenarios were considered: The first one involves maintaining a fixed number of security and check-in desks for the two airline groups. In contrast, the second scenario allows for a variable number of security and check-in desks for the same airline groups. By optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waiting time, this model contributes to more sustainable airport management operations. Three measures of performance (MOPs) were selected to assess the system activity: the average passenger waiting time, the average passenger number queue length, and the average utilization rate. Comparing the results, we concluded that the second scenario shows a relative improvement in almost all performance measures when compared to the first scenario. Full article

With the global increase in air transport demand, the shortage of ground handling personnel to support ground operations at airports has become a major challenge, impacting airport services and causing considerable flight delays. This study presents a novel method to generate trip data that specify the origin and destination locations as the purpose of travel for each ground support equipment (GSE) vehicle. The proposed method uses data obtained from comprehensive observations of 2234 GSE vehicles over a 24 h × 7 d time interval at Tokyo International Airport. From these observations and trip data, the characteristics of the driving conditions for each GSE vehicle type, the locations where GSE traffic volume increases in the airport, and changes in the time interval are identified. The primary results show that the GSE traffic volume is the highest mainly around passenger terminals and in the vehicle corridors connecting these terminals, which aligns with the airport’s operational status. Investigating GSE driving conditions, such as the traffic flow throughout an airport, can provide valuable data to improve the efficiency of GSE scheduling and facilitate the introduction of automated driving technology. Full article

This study leverages approximately 7500 reviews from Skytrax to explore the determinants of airport service quality and their influence on passenger recommendations. The dataset includes various features such as terminal cleanliness, terminal seating, terminal signs, food and beverages, airport shopping, WiFi connectivity, and airport staff. The research employs a comprehensive methodology encompassing statistical data analysis, predictive modelling, and interaction effects analysis. The descriptive analysis of time-series data highlighted trends and fluctuations in service quality and recommendations, providing insights into temporal dynamics. Multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, Random Forest, SVM, KNN, Gradient Boosting, and Neural Networks, were developed in this study and cross-validated for airport recommendation based on Skytrax’s online reviews. Among others, Gradient Boosting emerged as the most accurate model with an 88.15% mean accuracy. Interaction effects revealed significant combined influences, such as terminal cleanliness and terminal seating, on passenger recommendations. This multifaceted approach offers robust insights into factors influencing airport recommendations and guides improvements in airport management to enhance passenger satisfaction. Future work will focus on a general-purpose machine learning framework and its toolbox development for airport service quality analysis based on online reviews from various sources. Full article

In today’s world, air transport has become a favored choice for enhancing the value of a national economy, driven by advancing technology, escalating volumes of national and international trade, and population growth. The proliferation of airport transfer centers, particularly within air transport, plays a pivotal role in fostering the advancement of the aviation sector. Therefore, the selection of these hubs is of great importance. This study evaluated the New Çukurova, Antalya, Sivas Nuri Demirağ, Erzurum and Muğla Airports in Türkiye for the selection of a new airport transfer center in terms of criteria such as airport costs, airport terminal and apron facilities, airport passenger transportation services, airport operating capacity, airport location, demand factors in the service region and other factors. The study employed three methods for evaluating alternative international airports: AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis) and ELECTRE (Elimination and Choice Translating Reality). In the initial phase, the priority ranking of criteria was established based on expert opinions. Subsequently, Antalya Airport was the most suitable airport transfer center according to the ELECTRE method, while New Çukurova Airport emerged as the preferred choice according to the MOORA method. Both airports secured top rankings in both evaluation methods. Full article

This study presents a novel approach to enhancing indoor navigation in crowded multi-terminal airports using visible light communication (VLC) technology. By leveraging existing luminaires as transmission points, encoded messages are conveyed through modulated light signals to provide location-specific guidance. The objectives are to facilitate navigation, optimize routes, and improve system performance through Edge/Fog integration. The methodology includes the use of tetrachromatic LED-equipped luminaires with On–Off Keying (OOK) modulation and a mesh cellular hybrid structure. Detailed airport modeling and user analysis (pedestrians and luggage/passenger carriers) equipped with PINPIN optical sensors are conducted. A VLC-specific communication protocol with coding and decoding techniques ensures reliable data transmission, while wayfinding algorithms offer real-time guidance. The results show effective data transmission and localization, enabling self-localization, travel direction inference, and route optimization. Agent-based simulations demonstrate improved traffic control, with analyses of user halting and average speed. This approach provides reliable indoor navigation independent of GPS signals, enhancing accessibility and convenience for airport users. The integration of VLC with Edge/Fog architecture ensures efficient movement through complex airport layouts. Full article

In this paper, a decision-making tool is proposed that can utilize different strategies to deal with passenger flows in airport terminals. A simulation model has been developed to investigate these strategies, which can be updated and modified based on the current requirements of an airport terminal. The proposed tool could help airport managers and relevant decision makers proactively mitigate potential risks and evaluate crowd management strategies. The aim is to eliminate risk factors due to overcrowding and minimize passenger waiting times within the terminal to provide a seamless, safe and satisfying travel experience. Overcrowding in certain areas of the terminal makes it difficult for passengers to move freely and increases the risk of accidents (especially in the event of an emergency), security problems and service interruptions. In addition, long queues can lead to frustration among passengers and increase potential conflicts or stress-related incidents. Based on the derived results, the optimized routing of passengers using modern technological solutions is the most promising crowd management strategy for a sample airport that can handle 800 passengers per hour. Full article