Description

Airport hubs are geographically well positioned to allow airlines to facilitate efficient connections for passengers.

They are usually located in regions with high population density or where major airlines have a strong presence (typically 40 million passengers a year at the terminal). This allows convenient connections between various destinations, both domestic and international.

Types of airport hubs

Airport hubs can be categorized into different types based on their scale and purpose. The main types of airport hubs are global hubs, regional hubs and low-cost self-connecting hubs. Each type serves a specific function and caters to different travel needs.

Global Hubs

Global hubs are usually located in major cities or countries with a strong aviation presence.

Regional Hubs

Regional hubs are usually located in cities that act as gateways to a particular area. These kinds of hubs handle a mix of domestic and international flights, connecting passengers to various destinations within a specific region.

Low-Cost Self-Connecting Hubs

These hubs focus on offering self-connecting flights and streamlined operations to keep ticket prices affordable. Low-cost hubs often have a simplified infrastructure and limited facilities, allowing airlines to operate more efficiently and reduce costs.

Programme

Day 1 (4 Hours)

Future trends in airport hub development

As the aviation industry continues to evolve several trends are shaping the future development of airport hubs. Some of these trends are described below:

  • Expansion and infrastructure upgrades

    Many airport hubs are undergoing expansion and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. This includes the construction of new terminals, runways and other facilities to handle increased passenger traffic.

  • Emphasis on sustainability

    Airport hubs are becoming more environmentally aware with a focus on sustainable practices. This includes reducing carbon emissions, implementing energy-efficient technologies and promoting eco-friendly initiatives throughout the airport.

  • Integration of technology

    Airport hubs embrace technology to enhance the passenger experience and improve operational efficiency. This includes the use of biometrics for seamless passenger processing, advanced baggage tracking systems, and smart airport solutions that optimize operations – this is possible due to the size and scale of operations at airport hubs.

  • Digital transformation

    Airport hubs are undergoing digital transformation to streamline processes and provide personalized services to passengers. This includes the implementation of mobile apps, self-service kiosks and digital signage for real-time updates and information.

  • Expansion of low-cost hubs

    Low-cost hubs are expected to continue to attract the budget-conscious traveller, with a focus on affordable travel options, streamlined operations and cost savings for both airlines and passengers.

  • Focus on health & safety

    In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, airport hubs are placing greater emphasis on health and safety measures. This includes implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, touchless technologies and health screening procedures to ensure a safe travel environment for passengers.

These trends are expected to shape the future development of airport hubs, making air travel more efficient, sustainable and passenger-centric.


Day 2 (4 Hours)

Case-Studies

Dubai International Airport. United Arab Emirates


Day 3 (4 Hours)

Airport-Hubs & Urban Planning and Multi-Modal Transportation

Mexico City

    • AICM-AIFA-AIT: 3 Airports one Megalopolis
    • Trains & Subways within the terminals
    • Urban Planning & Airport Development

 

During this workshop, we will review the case of Mexico City as a Regional Hub.

Mexico City is the only city in Latin America with three airports located within a 90-minute travel time of each other, offering travellers the flexibility to choose between them. This is possible because of the city’s train and subway systems, which serve as the primary modes of transportation to the terminals.

This, of course, will influence the structure of the megalopolis including land use and landscape etc, while also improving service quality, especially in the context of multi-modal transportation.

Presenter

Dr Jorge Diaz, is a researcher, consultant and policy-maker at a global scale.

Working across three continents (America, Europe, and Africa) and leading multicultural and cross-disciplinary teams has developed the expertise, skills, mindset, and awareness needed to drive change management within organizations such as United Nations agencies, NGOs, private enterprises, research institutions, and volunteer organizations.

Dr Diaz has been especially involved in multi-modal transport planning for over 25 years, beginning his career at Cal & Mayor, an international consultancy specializing in various transportation modes.

In the last five years, he has developed research in airport design from a multidisciplinary perspective, collaborating with engineers and airline pilots. A couple of recent projects include the new airport terminal for the city of Lima in Peru, and the new airport terminal for Mexico City, Mexico.