Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Mumbai's Airport Departure Terminal: A Hybrid Simulation Modeling Approach

Abstract

Airports function as complex systems comprising interrelated entities, resources, and processes. Inefficiencies within these systems, particularly long waiting times, contribute to passenger dissatisfaction. This study examines operational improvements at Mumbai International Airport, one of India's busiest hubs, focusing on identifying bottlenecks and reducing congestion for departing passengers. Discrete event simulation served as the core methodological framework. Through hybrid simulation, AS-IS models were developed to analyze operational processes and evaluate bottlenecks. BPMN was used for conceptual modeling, followed by Simul8 for dynamic modeling. TO-BE system configurations for check-in, security screening and boarding were then remodeled. Simulation experiments were conducted to determine the optimal setup that minimizes queuing time while maximizing passenger throughput. The findings highlight an ideal system configuration that significantly reduces waiting times and overall passenger processing time, resulting in improved operational efficiency. These insights provide data-driven recommendations for optimizing airport processes, ultimately enhancing passenger experience and improving airport performance.