Capacity of Airport Systems in Metropolitan Areas

Airports in and near metropolitan areas must be planned and operated as a system. A methodology is presented for evaluating quantitatively the operational factors involved in the development of the airport system. Among the factors considered are: (1) Airspace use, including interactions between airports; (2) airport capacity; (3) runway, taxiway, and apron facilities; and (4) helicopter operations. The methodology provides a technique for computation of the current and future annual capacity of each airport and of the total airport system, considering the limitations caused by any of the operational factors. The computation evaluates the number and time of operating delays over a 1-yr period and selects annual capacities at a reasonable delay level. Such computations permit a comparison of annual capacity with forecasts of demand to determine the need for improved airport facilities or new airports. Examples of use of the methodology are given as well as an abbreviated technique for screening alternative airport development plans in terms of capacity.