How can you increase airport capacity with existing infrastructure?

Departure board

We have worked with many saturated and constrained airports that need to increase their capacity within a restricted existing terminal footprint to keep up with demand. Airport infrastructure can at times be extremely limited but by analysing data and simulating passenger, bags, vehicle and aircraft flow we are able to prove to clients that there are methods and processes that will improve capacity.

By airport capacity planning and assessment, operations and airport layout can be analysed to provide a capacity assessment for the entire airport and operations. This evaluates how efficiently an airport is used. Airports need to effectively evaluate their data, including schedules, passenger and baggage figures and more, in order to give a holistic view of what is and isn’t working.

Using bespoke tools and simulations, such as our own TransvisionAiR™, you are able to visualise how the airport is used, where the capacity is (or is not) and what can be done to improve both capacity and efficiency. It also helps airports envisage how peak periods or unforeseen circumstances can stretch their service against their set standards or IATA SLAs.

For example, at London Gatwick we were able to prove, using simulations by TransvisionAiR™, that the chosen design for the South Terminal Baggage Hall (out of 22 different options) worked effectively with traffic flows in the baggage hall and apron. Simple working simulations provided the client with a detailed, but easy to read, overview of each of the different MUP positions within the restricted existing footprint of the Check-in area.

This successfully realised and optimised capacity within the MUP area, ensuring stakeholder integration, improving passenger flows and creating a more efficient terminal.

We also worked with GMR Hyderabad International Airport in India to undertake an Airport Capacity Assessment to augment capacity, again utilising the existing Terminal footprint. We calibrated the existing terminal schedule against the existing footprint to ensure that it met current demands, and the standards required from IATA. We also created a 2D Terminal Passenger simulation model analysing Passenger Flows throughout the terminal. From this simulation, derived spatial and capacity options were evaluated, and options were provided to increase capacity and efficiency in the airport.

If you would like more information about our airport capacity planning and assessment, our bespoke simulation tool or our case studies, contact us today.