Evolution Analysis of European Union Airline Network Based on Complex Network Theory

This paper analyzes the evolution of topological structure of European Union airline network over the period 2011–2019 by using complex network theory. The weighted comprehensive eigenvalue and K-core decomposition are used. Statistical analysis shows that the scale of European Union airline network is expanding gradually, and the network has the characteristics of small world and scale-free. The number of airports and air routes in the core layer has increased, while in the peripheral layer has decreased. The airports in the core layer mainly distributed in the eastern and southern of European Union, while in the peripheral layer mainly distributed in the western and northern of European Union. The results provide the guidance that when designing regional airline network, selecting airports with the core or bridge layer, high weighted comprehensive eigenvalue and high city economic development level is conducive to improving the accessibility and connectivity of the airline network.