Bilevel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for Solving the Single Airport Location Problem

Abstract

This paper addresses the airport facility location problem considering environmental impacts and induced changes to traffic on the underlying road network. An optimization model is developed, where multiple objectives are defined including (1) minimizing total noise disruption caused by operating aircraft from the airport; (2) maximizing the coverage of the airport through minimizing the distance between the airport and the demand nodes; and (3) minimizing the total travel time of users on the road network, considering the demand-inducing nature of the airport. The problem is formulated as a bilevel program, and is solved using a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The model is then tested on an illustrative case study. Results highlight the great potential of adopting the proposed model as a decision support tool for locating an airport.