Planning and Design of

Airport Infrastructures
10th Transportation Infrastructure Lecture
by
Sri Atmaja P. Rosyidi, ST., M.Sc., Ph.D., P.Eng.
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

What is PLANNING ?

Planning Philosophy in Airport Design

The efficient airport as a whole is that which

provides the required capacity for aircraft,
passenger, cargo and vehicle movement with
maximum passenger, operator and staff
convenience and at lowest capital and costs.

Save Costs !!!

Minimize Problems !!!
Excellent Transportation
System !!

High Costs !!!

Environmental
Problems !!!
Bad transport!!!

The Planning System

Planning airport is complicated by the diversity of

facilities and services which are necessary for the
movement of aircraft, passengers and cargo and the
ground vehicles associated with them, and the
necessity to integrate their planning.
Airport planning is the evaluation of a compromise
between conflicting features of the best plan for
each of the individual facilities for providing the
greatest degree of flexibility and expansibility for
future development.

Whats NEEDED
in the airport planning!

An Airport Master Plan : presents the

planners conception of the ultimate
development of a specific airport.
Master plan are applied to the modernization
and expansion of existing airports and to
construction of new airports.

Airport Master Plan as A Guide

Development of physical facilities of an

airport (aviation or non aviation use).
Development of land uses for areas
surrounding an airport.
Determination of the environmental effects of
airport construction and operation
Establishment of access requirements of the
airport.

Type of Activity Involved in the

Master Plan Process

Policy/co-ordinative planning.
Economic Planning.
Physical Planning.
Environmental Planning.
Financial Planning.

Steps in Planning Process

Prepare a master planning work programme.

Inventory and document existing condition.
Forecast future air traffic demand.
Determine gross facilities requirements and preliminary timephased development of same.
Evaluating existing and potential constraints.
Agree upon relative importance or priority of various elements
such as airport type, constraints, political and other
consideration.
Develop several conceptual or master plan alternatives for
purposes of comparative analysis.
Review and screen alternative conceptual plans.
Select most acceptable and appropriate alternative.

Plan Update
Recommendations
Master plan should be
reviewed at least annually and adjusted as
appropriate to reflect conditions at the time of
review.
thoroughly evaluated and modified every five
year, or more often if change in economic,
operational, environmental and financial
condition indicate an earlier need for such
revision.

Limitation of Master Plan

Master plan is just a guide and nothing more.

Master plan is not implementation
programme.
Master plan does not develop specific with
respect to improvements, it is only a guide to
the types of improvements.

Preplanning Considerations
Pre-Definition
Successful expansion (existing airport) and
development (new airport) will result from the
guidelines established in an airport master
plan. Accordingly, if a master plan is to be
useful to airport authorities certain preplanning
requirements must be understood and followed.

Preplanning Considerations

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.

9.

Preplanning considerations for providing the frame works of an

effective and implemented airport master plan, include the
following :
Pre-planning co-ordination.
Information sources.
Goals and schedules.
Land requirements.
Financing considerations.
Planning team.
Planning organization.
Planning procedure.
Environmental considerations.

Airport Site Evaluation and

Selection

Introduction

The provision of a new airport or the development of an existing

one involves substantial capital investment and large-scale
construction works. In order to avoid premature obsolescence
and waste of valuable financial and material resources, it is
important that they should have the longest useful possible life
which is achieved with providing the sufficient ground area for
progressive development in step with growth in air traffic
demand, for realization of maximum benefit from the investment
and to ensure the safety of aircraft operation and to avoid
hazards or discomfort to the surrounding community without
limiting growth or the efficiency of an airport. Therefore, sites
must be chosen with land area which offer the best potential for
long-term development at least financial and social cost.

Major Steps in the Site Evaluation

and Selection Process

Broad determination of the land area required.

Evaluating of factors affecting airport location.
Preliminary office study of possible sites.
Site inspection.
Environmental study.
Review of potential sites.
Preparation of outline plans and estimates of costs
and revenues.
Final evaluation and selections.
Report and recommendations.

Broad determination of the

land are required.
Before inspection any potential sites including
existing sites, it is necessary to make a broad
assessment of land area likely to be required.
This can be achieved by considering the space
necessary for runway development which generally
forms the major proportion of land required for an
airport.
It requires consideration of the following factors :
runway length, runway orientation, number of
runways and combination of above factors to form
an outline scheme for rough assessment of the order
of magnitude of land required.

Airport Configuration

Airport configuration is defined as the number

and orientation of runways and the location of
the terminal area relative to the runways.

Number of runways depends on air traffic volume.

Orientation of runways depends on the direction
of wind, size and shape of the area and land use
and airspace use restrictions in the vicinity of
airport.
The terminal building should be located so as to
provide easy and timely access to runways.

(1). Runway Length

This material will be discussed in the next

chapter which talks about the determination
of runway length.

(2). Runway Orientation

Analysis of Wind for Orienting

Runways

Runways are oriented in the direction of

prevailing winds.
The data on the parameters of wind namely,
intensity (speed), direction and duration are
essential to determine the orientation of
runways.

High intensity winds perpendicular to the direction of

runway cause wobbling effect and cause problems
during landing and takeoff of aircrafts.
Smaller aircrafts are particularly effected by these
crosswinds.

Analysis of Wind

Cross wind component :

The component of wind intensity perpendicular to

the centre line of runway is termed as cross wind
component.

Allowable cross wind component:

This is the maximum cross wind component that

is safe for aircraft operations. This depends on
the size of aircraft, wing configuration and the
condition of the pavement surface.
ICAO guidelines on cross wind component

Prevailing Wind Effect

When landing and taking off, aircraft are able to

manoeuvre on a runway as long as the wind
component at right angles to the direction of travel
(defined as cross wind) is not excessive.
The maximum allowable cross-wind depends not
only on the size of aircraft but also on the wing
configuration and the condition on the pavement
surface.
Transport category aircraft can manoeuvre in cross
wind as high as 56 km/h (30 kt) but it is quite difficult
to do so; hence lower values are used for airport
planning.

ICAO Annex 14

Runway should be oriented as aeroplanes

may be landed at least 95 per cent of the
time with wind cross components as follows :
37 km/h (20 kt) = 1500 m or over,
24 km/h (13 kt) = 1200 1500 m,
19 km/h (10 kt) = less than 1200 m.

Calculating Example of
Wind Observation

the Wind Rose Plotting

Airport Site Selection

Aviation Activities.
Development of Surrounding Area.
Atmospheric Condition
Accessibility to ground transport.
Availability of land for expansion.
Topography.
Environment.
Presence of other airports in the general area.
Availability of utilities.
Proximity to aeronautical demand.

Aviation Activity

The needed information is got from

consulting to the aircraft operators, potential
operators and pilot organizations.

Development of
Surrounding Area

The information is collected from planning

authorities and agencies in order to obtain
plans of existing and future land use.
A disturbance by the activity of airport on the
residential area and school, should be as less
as possible.
The study of prospective land uses is
essential to avoid the future conflicts.

Atmospheric conditions

Obtain data on presence of fog, haze, smoke

which may consequently reduce the visibility
and the capacity of an airport. List any
special local weather factors for example
variation in weather pattern, prevailing winds,
fog, low cloud, rainfall, snow, turbulence, etc.

Accessibility to ground
transport

Transit time from passengers point of origin

to the airport is a matter of major concern.
Note the location of roads, railways and
public transport routes.

Availability of land for

expansion

Availability of suitable land for the future

expansion of an airport is necessary. Study
aeronautical, land, road and topographical
map to ascertain area with suitable slopes
and drainage. Review the geological maps
showing distribution of soil and rock types.
Ascertain location and availability of
construction materials, quarries, etc.
Ascertain general land values for various
area and usage (residential, agricultural, etc.)

Topography

Note significant factors affecting cost of

construction such as the need for excavation
or filling, drainage and poor soil conditions.

Environment

Note locations of wildlife reserves and

migratory areas, and also note noisesensitive areas such as school and hospital.

Presence of other airports

Note locations of existing airports and ATS

routes together with their associated airspace
and any future plans to change them.

Availability of utilities

Note locations of main power, water supplies,

sewage and gas mains, telephone services,
etc.

Factor Influenced Airport Size

Performance characteristics and size of

aircraft expected to use the airport.
Anticipated volume of traffic.
Meteorological condition.
Elevation of site.

What do YOU know

about
Airport Layout and
Diagram

Simple Layout of Airport (3 D)

Airport Diagram

Runway Configurations

Many runway configurations exist

Most are combinations of these basic
configurations:

Single runway
Parallel Runways

Two parallel runways

Two parallel runways with staggered thresholds
Four parallel runways

Intersecting runways
Open-V Runways

Flight Operation Rules

Aircrafts operate under two basic types of flight rules

Visual Flight Rules

These rules apply when weather conditions are such that

aircrafts can maintain safe separation by visual means.
Aircrafts are allowed to fly under see and be seen principle. Air
traffic controllers exercise minimum control under VFR. Intervene
only when there is need. (Passive Control)

Instrument Flight Rules

These rules apply when visibility falls below the minimum level
fixed for VFR operations.
In IFR conditions, safer separation is the responsibility of air
traffic control personnel.
In other words air traffic controllers exercise positive control when
IFR apply.

Single Runway

This is the simplest of the runway configurations.

Suitable when winds predominantly blow along the runway and the
peak hour air traffic demand is less than 50 operations.
When winds are light both ends can be used for both arrivals and
departures.
When winds are strong only one end can be used for operations.
The capacity of a single runway depends on air traffic mix and type
of control.
VFR: 50 100 operations
IFR:50 70 operations

Single Runway Airport

Kai Tak International

Airport

Two Parallel Runways

Suitable when winds predominantly blow along the parallel runways

and the peak hour air traffic demand is high (over 50 operations).
The capacity of two parallel runways depends on the spacing
between them, runway usage strategy and air traffic mix.
The centre line separation between two parallel runways is
classified as close (210 m 750 m), intermediate (750 m 1290 m)
and far (>1290 m).

When the spacing is close, under IFR, operation of one runway is dependent up
on the operations on the other runway
When the spacing is intermediate, under IFR, an arrival on one runway is
independent of a departure on the other runway.

Two Parallel cont

When the spacing is far, under IFR, the two runways can
be operated independently.
On closely spaced runways, under VFR, simultaneous
arrivals and departures can be allowed; i.e., arrivals can
occur on one runway while departures are occurring on
the other runway.
Simultaneous arrivals to both runways or simultaneous
departures from both runways can not be allowed on
closely spaced runways under VFR conditions.
Intermediate and far parallel runways, under VFR
conditions, may be operated independently; i.e.,
simultaneous arrivals to both runways or simultaneous
departures from both runways can be allowed.

Video Simulation: Heathrow

Staggered Parallel Runways

The staggering may be necessary because

of the shape of the area

When the terminal building is located in between the two

runways and when one runway is exclusively used for
take off and the other for landing, the taxiing distance for
arriving and departing aircrafts becomes minimum.

Adjustment to separation clearance is

allowed for simultaneous arrivals and
departures.

The requirement on separation clearance can be

reduced by 30 m for every 150 m of stagger to a
minimum separation of 300 m, if the approach is to
the near threshold.
If the approach is to the far threshold, the separation
has to be increased by 30 m for every 150 m of
stagger.

Four Parallel Runways

Four parallel runways are planned to take care of high

demand and when the winds are predominantly blowing
along the runways.
In the case of four parallel runways, the runways are
paired. Within the pair the runways are spaced closely,
but the pair is spaced far apart.

Terminal building is located between the pairs.

The desirable mode of operation is to dedicate the outer runways
for arrivals and inner runways for departures.

Intersecting Runway

It becomes necessary to use this configuration

when winds are blowing in more than one
direction.

When the winds are light both runways can be used.

When the winds are strong only one runway can be
used.

Capacity depends on the location of the

intersection point and the runway-use-strategy.

The farther the intersection is from the takeoff end of

the runway and the landing threshold, the lower is the
capacity.
Highest capacity is achieved when the intersection is
close to the takeoff end and the landing threshold.

Intersecting
Runway
Airport

Open-V Runway

Runways in divergent directions which do not

intersect are referred to as open-V runways.

When the winds are blowing in different directions, if

the layout of the land permits, this configuration is
preferred to intersecting runways.
Both the runways can be operated only when the
winds are light.

The runway-use-strategy where in the operations

are away from the V yields highest capacity.

Runway Components

Clearway

Stopway

Runway Safety Area

Taxiway System

The movement of aircrafts to and from the

runways and the terminal/cargo, and parking
areas is provided by a system of taxiways.
This system of taxiways includes

Entrance and exit taxiways

Parallel taxiways
Bypass taxiways
Connecting or transverse taxiways
Apron taxiways and taxi-lanes.

Exit Taxiways

These are taxiways provided at appropriate locations

along the length of runway so that the landing aircrafts
can maneuver out of the runway minimising their runway
occupancy time.
Right angled exit taxiways:

These are exit taxiways placed at right angles to the runway.

When the design peak hour traffic is less than 30 operations
(landings and takeoffs), a properly located right- angled exit
taxiway will achieve an efficient flow of traffic.

High speed exit taxiways:

These exit taxiways are placed at acute angle to the runway and
are designed to provide high exit (turnoff) speeds. These high
speed exit taxiways when properly designed in terms of their
number, location and exit speed can enhance the capacity of the
runway.

Taxiways Intersection Design

Entrance & Parallel Taxiways

Entrance Taxiway:

Entrance taxiways provide access to the takeoff

end of the runway for the departing aircrafts and it
also serves as the final exit taxiway for landing
aircrafts on a bidirectional runway. It is normally in
the form of an L taxiway intersection with a right
angle connection to the runway.

Parallel Taxiway:

The taxiway running parallel to the runway

connecting all the exit and entrance taxiways is
called parallel taxiway.

Dual Parallel Taxiway Entrance

Cross overtaxiway

Bypass Taxiway

As an alternative to holding bay a bypass

taxiway parallel to the entrance taxiway leading
to the runway end are generally provided.
When a preceding aircraft is not ready for takeoff
and blocks the entrance taxiway, other aircrafts
in the queue can use the bypass taxiway.
Bypass taxiways provide flexibility in runway use
by permitting ground maneuvering of steady
streams of departing airplanes

Dual Parallel Taxiway Entrance

with Bypass

Holding Bay

The designated place located adjacent to the ends of runways to

allow check of aircraft instruments and engine operation prior to
takeoff in the case of piston engine aircrafts and to enable all other
aircrafts to wait for takeoff clearance from ATC. These are also
referred to as run-up or warm-up pads.
Due to adverse weather conditions enroute or at the destinations,
certain aircrafts may have to be delayed while others are allowed to
proceed with takeoff.
Holding bays are useful in such situations for aircrafts to bypass one
another.
As per FAA guidelines a holding bay should be provided when
runway operations reach a level of 30 per hour.
A holding bay should be designed normally to accommodate two to
four aircrafts and with enough space for cleared aircrafts to bypass
the parked ones.

Taxiway Configuration

Transverse Slope

A slope at Runway and Taxiway

Airplane Bridge

Cross-section bridge and

roadway

Jet Blast-Deflector

Parallel Taxiway Operation

Lane Width

Apron Taxiway and Taxilanes

Taxiway located on the periphery of an apron

intended to provide a through taxi route
across apron is referred to as apron taxiway.
Taxilanes provide access from apron
taxiways to airplane parking positions (gates).
Taxilanes are located outside the movement
area.

Fillet Design

Thank You
See You in the Next Lecture