Research Article

Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations

Volume: 14 Number: 2 April 19, 2026
TR EN

Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations

Abstract

This study examines capacity inadequacies at airports, a critical component of airline transportation, and their impact on passengers. Despite the advantages of air travel, such as time savings and convenience, increasing demand often leads to long queues and delays at airports. Congestion, particularly at key points such as security checks, check-in counters, baggage drop-off, and immigration controls, significantly impacts passenger satisfaction. The study focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by minimizing waiting times and optimizing resource utilization in airport processing units. To evaluate these issues, a discrete-event simulation model was developed using domestic and international passenger flow data from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. The analysis is guided by the hypothesis that improvements in staff allocation and process configurations can reduce waiting times without substantially increasing operational costs. Simulation analyses, supported by insights from the literature, explore various scenarios for optimizing staff shifts and implementing modern solutions, such as online check-in. The findings reveal that reducing staff in specific processing units can lower costs but may increase waiting times, highlighting the trade-off between efficiency and service quality. This study provides valuable insights for airport managers to make strategic decisions and serves as a crucial reference for future operational planning.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research received no external funding.

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies are appropriately cited.

Thanks

The authors do not wish to acknowledge any individual or institution.

References

  1. Akdeniz, H. A., & Tatar, B. (2009). Queuing line simulation in airport: Application of İzmir-Gaziemir Adnan Menderes airport. Dokuz Eylul University the Journal of Graduate School of Social Sciences, 11(3), 3–12.
  2. Alodhaibi, S., Burdett, R. L., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2017). Framework for airport outbound passenger flow modelling. Procedia Engineering, 174, 1100–1109. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.01.263
  3. Anagnostopoulou, A., Tolikas, D., Spyrou, E., Akac, A., & Kappatos, V. (2024). The analysis and al simulation of passenger flows in an airport terminal: A decision-making tool. Sustainability, 16(3), Article 1346. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031346
  4. Arusoğlu, Ö. (2010). Havaalanı yolcu hareketlerinin simulasyonu için model önerisi [Master’s thesis, Istanbul Technical University]. http://hdl.handle.net/11527/703
  5. Eleman.net. (2024a, May). Havaalanı güvenlik görevlisi maaşları. https://www.eleman.net/meslek/havaalani-guvenlik-gorevlisi/maas
  6. Eleman.net. (2024b, May). Kontuar personeli maaşları. https://www.eleman.net/meslek/kontuar-personeli/maas
  7. Gürsoy, N. C., & Ateş, S. (2022). Airport terminal flow simulation: Impact analysis of self-service check-in technologies usage past and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Journal of Turkish Operations Management, 6(2), 1184–1195. https://doi.org/10.56554/jtom.1024341
  8. Hoad, K., Robinson, S., & Davies, R. (2010). Automated selection of the number of replications for a discrete-event simulation. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 61(11), 1632–1644. https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2009.121

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Optimization Techniques in Mechanical Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 19, 2026

Submission Date

December 29, 2024

Acceptance Date

February 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 14 Number: 2

APA
Yanıkoğlu, B., & Özkan, S. (2026). Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology, 14(2), 511-524. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1608854
AMA
1.Yanıkoğlu B, Özkan S. Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations. DUBİTED. 2026;14(2):511-524. doi:10.29130/dubited.1608854
Chicago
Yanıkoğlu, Begüm, and Sinem Özkan. 2026. “Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 14 (2): 511-24. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1608854.
EndNote
Yanıkoğlu B, Özkan S (April 1, 2026) Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 14 2 511–524.
IEEE
[1]B. Yanıkoğlu and S. Özkan, “Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations”, DUBİTED, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 511–524, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.29130/dubited.1608854.
ISNAD
Yanıkoğlu, Begüm - Özkan, Sinem. “Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 14/2 (April 1, 2026): 511-524. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1608854.
JAMA
1.Yanıkoğlu B, Özkan S. Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations. DUBİTED. 2026;14:511–524.
MLA
Yanıkoğlu, Begüm, and Sinem Özkan. “Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 14, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 511-24, doi:10.29130/dubited.1608854.
Vancouver
1.Begüm Yanıkoğlu, Sinem Özkan. Simulation-Based Optimization of Passenger Flow and Resources in Airport Operations. DUBİTED. 2026 Apr. 1;14(2):511-24. doi:10.29130/dubited.1608854