Analysis of air traffic capacity in Nigrian airports

Abstract

The paper is aimed at determining the capability of the airside facilities to accommodate aviation operational demand. The USA FAA methodology was utilized for the measurement of airfield capacity in this study. In consideration of the existing runway configuration, runway utilization patterns and 52506 operation counts, Lagos airport domestic wing Nigeria has been determined to have a daily demand ratio (D) of 240 operations and an hourly demand ratio (H) of 20 operations, and thus, an ASV of approximately 63006 operations. Capacity calculations indicated that a Nigerian runway configuration accommodates an ASV of 247, 123 annual operations. Based on the aircraft fleet mix currently utilizing Nigerian airports, this ASV seems appropriate through the planning period. The ASV during the period under study was highest at the domestic wing of Lagos Airport followed International wing of the same airport. Abuja domestic wing was next followed by Port Harcourt domestic wing. It is considered, therefore, that no significant increase to existing peak-hour runway capacity may be possible in the short term although there is spare capacity during the off-peak (shoulder) periods. Nigeria has, in theory, the option of having two additional runways available, to enhance the overall runway capacity of the airport. In practical terms, simultaneous operational use of these runways is unlikely to provide significant and consistent capacity benefits.

Description

The article has tables and figures

Keywords

Airport, capacity, runway, air rraffic and ATM, Department of Maritime Management Technology

Citation

Ejem, E. A., Ibe, C. C., Dike, D. N., Chikwendu, D. U., Igboanusi, C. C. & Chukwu, O. E. (2017). Analysis of air traffic capacity in Nigrian airports. International Journal of Business, Management and Allied Sciences, 4,(4), 286 -293

DOI