An Assessment of the Impacts of Congestion Delay at Major Hubs to Airlines and Passengers

Abstract

Of the 544 hubs in the U.S., only 28 accounted for 73.03% of passenger enplanements in 1989. (Transportation Research Board, 1988). Despite some of the economic benefits of hubbing at those few hubs, congestion delay seems to affect airlines, passengers, airports, Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities and the environment. This paper attempts to quantify the magnitude of congestion costs to airlines and passengers. The analysis should prove useful in assessing aviation policy, evaluating projects, and allocating resources among different airports in the U.S.

Authors

• Ghobrial, Atef Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Fleming, Ken Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University