Smart Airports – Balancing Queue Management and Anti-epidemic Measures

Airports worldwide are dealing with application of anti-epidemic measures, that lead to decreased capacity of airport terminals. Passengers are obliged to observe physical distancing and other rules, which in combination with longer service times at checks and controls lead to congestions in front of airport processors. This study aims to introduce new solutions for queue management at smart airports, that belong to the Smart Cities concept. The preliminary idea of buffer zones as waiting areas for passengers, that cannot be allowed to enter overcrowded areas, especially queues, brings new opportunities and benefits for both passengers and the airport. Based on performed simulations in the developed model, authors defined two types of buffer zones and determined the optimum time limit to distinguish between the two types of buffer zones. The paper brings theoretical and practical approach to use of buffer zones in real airport operations.