Application of Queueing Theory To Airport Related Problems: Nityangini Jhala and Pravin Bhathawala
Application of Queueing Theory To Airport Related Problems: Nityangini Jhala and Pravin Bhathawala
Abstract
Air traffic, worldwide, keeps growing strongly, creating critical capacity
situations and traffic congestion. Large delays are suffered by airlines,
passengers and airport authorities alike. When a rough estimate is needed, the
results of queuing theory can be used to analyse airport runway systems, but
when airports are too congested or a more realistic description of the system
behaviour is necessary, Careful analytical planning is needed in advance of
facilities and systems design, as the results of congestion could be both serious
and expensive to travellers, airlines, and airports.
1. INTRODUCTION
Air line passengers are subjected to increasing levels of congestion in airport
environments. This congestion is caused by three interrelated problems. The first is
fluctuations of demand. Variations of demand occur at various time frames ranging
from days to months. Sometimes special events create demand spikes. The second
cause of congestion is related to network issues. The third cause of congestion in
check is related to flight scheduling. Here, the congestion is caused by arrangement of
scheduled departure times of aircraft. The congestion is caused by overlapping
passenger arrival periods of the chosen aircraft. It can be seen that overlapping
passenger arrival distributions concept assists in estimation of the period of
congestion.
Nuhu A. Ademoh and Anosike, Esther Nneka[1] has developed a mathematical model
to solve problem of queuing of air transport passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe
International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
3864 Nityangini Jhala and Pravin Bhathawala
2. METHODOLOGY
We will make the following assumptions for queuing system in accordance with
queuing theory.
1. Arrivals follow a Poisson probability distribution at an average rate of λ customers
per unit of time.
2. The queue discipline is First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) basis by any of the
servers. There is no priority classification for any arrival.
3. Service times are distributed exponentially, with an average of μ customers per unit
of time.
4. There is no limit to the number of the queue (infinite).
5. The service providers are working at their full capacity.
6. The average arrival rate is greater than average service rate.
7. Service rate is independent of line length; service providers do not go faster
because the line is longer.
M/M/1 queuing model means that the arrival and service time are exponentially
distributed (Poisson process)
Application of Queueing Theory to Airport related problems 3865
Ws: The average time spent in the system, including the waiting time
𝐿 1
Ws = 𝜆 = 𝜇−𝜆
𝑘+1 𝜆2
Lq = ( 2𝑘 ) (𝜇(𝜇−𝜆))
Phase 2:
Web-Security
Security screening consists of two distinct operations: Inspecting the passenger’s
cabin bags and inspecting the passenger himself. Both of these operations can be
automated by using electronic equipment. Carry-on bags may be inspected by a visual
scan in an x-ray device. Door-way type walk through metal detectors detect weapons.
Phase 3:
Mobile bar-coding for boarding
Once a passenger has done web check-in, boarding pass generates in his smart phone.
After he is through security check, the update is done in his boarding pass, which
contains a bar code. And through that he can board with the smart boarding pass.
Performance measures:
It was observed in an XYZ airport that the arrival rate was λ= 70 customers per hour
and the service rate was µ = 85customers per hour,
Service time per phase = 5 min, k = 3
The performance measures are:
The average number of customers in the system: Ls = 9.33
The average number of customers in the queue: Lq = 2.56
The average waiting time in the queue: Wq = 0.036 hr or 2 min
The average time spent in the system, including the waiting time Ws = 0.047hr or 3
min
3. CONCLUSION
This proposing model is a small step towards easing out the life from the long queues
in the airports. The problem of waiting for ones turn to come in a long queue could be
easily overcome by this project. It reduces queue length and actual waiting times, thus
improving customer satisfaction. It upholds the image of the firm as the queue system
ensures discipline at the premises.
REFERENCES:
[1]. Nuhu A. Ademoh and Anosike, Esther Nneka; Queuing Modelling of Air
Transport Passengers of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Nigeria
Using Multi Server Approach, (2014)
3868 Nityangini Jhala and Pravin Bhathawala