Aircraft sequencing and passenger flow optimization: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport; [Uçuş sıralaması ve yolcu akışı optimizasyonu: İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen havalimanı]

This study presents a model that combines aircraft sequencing and passenger transfer dynamics to analyze the transfer process in terms of delay and how air-to-air and air-to-train transfer passengers reach stations and gates. The model considers real-world factors such as distances inside the terminal, walking times depending on baggage and gender, and waiting times at bus/metro stations. The research includes identifying the flights with the highest number of transfer passengers and conducting the analysis by giving priority to the busiest five aircraft. Individual behaviors of passengers, such as baggage and walking times, are also included in the optimization framework. When the differences between the models are analyzed, passengers' early arrival times at transfer points vary 0-5 minutes. Although this is important, no statistical difference was found. The analysis shows that Model 3 (43%) is superior to the others. While Model 2 reached an average delay of 1,066 seconds, Model 3 produced a delay of 185 seconds. Model 1 and 3 have similar performance. The combination of aircraft sequencing and transfer dynamics is the original contribution of the model. In addition, by including passenger-specific factors and operational constraints in the model, it becomes possible to offer more realistic and practical solutions. © 2026, Gazi Universitesi. All rights reserved.