Location planning of airport facilities using the analytic hierarchy process

Over the years, constant population growth, deregulation, and ever-increasing demand for faster transportation have led to a dramatic increase in air traffic. A growing number of airports suffer from congestion, overcrowding, and the subsequent deterioration of airport services. A common solution for alleviating such problems is to expand the existing airports or construct new airports. Unfortunately, while an increase in the airport capacity through expansion or construction can improve both airport services and the economic status of surrounding communities, it can not only result in a serious environmental threat to the communities, but also put enormous financial pressure on the local government. Recognizing that multiple and conflicting objective nature of the airport location problem, this paper proposes an analytic hierarchy process which can help a state or regional airport authority to formulate viable location strategies in the volatile and complex public decision environment.