Managing Passenger Handling at Airport Terminals

An efficient handling of passengers is essential for reliable terminal processes. Since the entire progress of terminal handling depends on the individual behavior of the passengers, a valid and calibrated agent-based model allows for a detailed evaluation of system performance and for identifying optimization capabilities. Our model is based on a stochastic approach for passenger movements including the capability of individual tactical decision making and route choice, and on stochastic model of handling processes. Each component of the model was calibrated with a comprehensive, scientifically reliable empirical data set; a virtual terminal environment was developed and real airport conditions were evaluated. Our detailed stochastic modeling approach points out the need for a significant change of the common flow-oriented design methods to illuminate the still undiscovered terminal black box. Keywords-agent-based model; movement behavior; complex dynamics; stochastic process; simulation; validation