Simulation as a decision support tool for airport planning: Riga International Airport case study

This research considers the aspects of decision-making according to the airport activities. The decision about airport planning and management should be comprehensive and operative and of course, the assessment of alternative decisions is necessary. The purpose of this research is to highlight the role of simulation modelling at the stage of airport development. The authors present the methodology of a model-driven decision-making approach and then describe 2 cases of using simulation for Riga International Airport (RIX) development. The 1st case study is used for analysis possibility of the development of the airport’s surrounding territory. The planned massive development of RIX and the surrounding area requires detailed analysis for increasing its positive impact on regional and national business economics, social aspects, business and the environment. The 2nd case supports decision-making for the needs of the terminal reconstruction, presents a helpful tool for visualization of the tendencies in the future, and allows the analysis of the different infrastructure layouts. Both cases give the possibility to predict the situation and evaluate the service provided for passengers (travellers) of the airport. Simulation modelling allows to study complex system – airport and evaluate direct and indirect impacts of planned reconstruction. First published online 20 January 202