A User Equilibrium Assignment Flow Model for Multiairport Open Network System

To reduce flight delays and promote fairness in air traffic management, we study the imbalance problem between supply and demand in airport network system from the view of both the system and the users. First, we establish an open multiairport oriented network flow system with the correlation between the arrival and departure in capacity-constrained airports, as well as the relevance between multiairports united flights. Then, based on the efficiency rationing principle, we propose an optimization model to reassign flow with user equilibrium constraints. These constraints include Gini coefficient, system capacity, and united flights. The model minimizes the total flight delay cost of capacity-constrained airports in the network system. We also introduce some evaluation indexes to quantitatively analyze fairness among airlines. Finally, with an open multiairport network system and its actual flights data in China, the model is verified. Test results show that the model can be used to coordinate and optimize matching the flow and capacity in the multiairport, make full use of the capacity of airports, and minimize the system delays. The findings can provide a powerful reference of developing scientific and rational assignment strategy for air traffic controllers.