Optimization of resource demand for passenger services at airports during system failures such as blackouts

Abstract

Background: In recent years, power outages at airports caused total collapses of terminal operations at the affected airports. These incidents have shown that existing emergency power systems were not sufficient to maintain airport operation. To mitigate the consequences of power outages, it is necessary to improve the management of available resources. Methodology: Therefore, we investigate the possibility to save resources associated to passenger handling processes before departure. For this purpose, we create a simulation model of a generic medium-sized commercial airport. Several simulations with a varying number of service stations at check-in, security and passport control are carried out. Subsequently, we analyze the number of passengers who do not reach their flight due to increased waiting times at the passenger handling services. Results: The simulations show that a reduction in resources at check-in counters and passport control initially has no effect on the number of passengers who do not reach their flight. The security control represents a bottleneck in passenger handling. In view of a break-even seat load factor the simulation results show, that a reduction of resources at the check-in below 16 counters, at the security check below 21 and at the passport control below 3 service stations should be avoided. Conclusion: Therefore, the developed methodology is able to provide airport operators with decision support during system failures, as to which and how many service stations can be dispensed within the sub-processes of passenger handling without interrupting flight operations.