Achieving Regional Connectivity of Airports Using System Dynamics Modelling: Fid-Bau Portal

Achieving Regional Connectivity of Airports Using System Dynamics Modelling

Iyer, K. Chandrashekhar / Thomas, Nivea

The provision of air transport services in under-served and un-served airports is a major concern worldwide. This problem could be overcome by increasing the number of passengers and routes to those airports. In spite of India being the third largest domestic civil aviation market in the world and many government policies being implemented, the regional airports are not sustainable. In this background, the paper applies system dynamics to develop a regional connectivity model that helps to plan, manage, and financially support the airports for their sustenance and growth. The factors that contribute to regional connectivity are listed using literature survey and pilot studies. Their structural relationships are sketched using causal loop diagram, which characterises the model behaviour. The main factors are population, tourism, and economic potential of the region, the growth of low-cost-carriers, and the level of airfares. The second level output, stock, and flow diagram provides dynamic patterns and describes them in terms of structural relationships between various factors. This model helps to identify the conditions under which regional connectivity will evolve. This can help policymakers to foresee patterns and causes of dysfunction in the airports.