Airport Planning

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AIRPORT PLANNING

1.1 General

Airport planning requires more intensive study and fore thought as compared to planning of other modes of transport. This is because aviation is the most dynamic industry and its forecast is quite complex. Planning is a specialized phase of air development before design can begin. The most efficient plan for an airport is that which provides the required capacity for aircrafts, passenger cargo, and vehicle movements, with maximum passenger, operator & staff convenience at lowest capital & operating costs. Flexibility & expandability should be considered in conjunction and are fundamental to all aspects of planning. Unlike rail, road and water transportation, air transportation has yet not reached a steady state in design. It is very difficult to predict for the airport, satisfying the present need, whether this airport, shall prove adequate for the new types of aircraft which may emerge 10 years hence.

General Considerations

1.2 Purpose of a master plan
A.   An airport master plan presents planner’s concept of ultimate development of an airport.               It is a guide for:-
  i. Development of physical facilities in the airport
  ii. Development of land uses of areas surrounding the airport
  iii. Determination of environmental impacts of airport construction & operation
  iv. Establishment of airport access requirements.
B     Among other things, an aerodrome master plan is used to:
  i. Provide short- and long-range policy/decision guidance
  ii. Identify potential problems as well as opportunities
  iii. Assist in securing financial aid
  iv. Serve as a basic for negotiation between the aerodrome authority /concessionaire interests        
  v. General local interest and support.

1.2.1 Development of physical Facilities in the airport
Major factors to be considered are the following.

1.2.1.a) Airport planning process
The airport master plan with its... [continues]

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