Airport Design and Operations

Overview

This practice-oriented lecture series introduces the fundamentals of airport design and operations within the global air transport system. It combines infrastructure, planning, business, operational, regulatory, and sustainability perspectives and is delivered by experts from Munich Airport.

Confirmed course dates

• Airports as Nodes in the Transport System — 8 May, 14:00–17:00, MW 1250
• Airport Design — 15 May, 14:00–17:00, MW 1250
• Airport Revenue Sources — 22 May, 13:15–16:15, MW 0350 ❗️time & location change❗️
• Safety Management Systems — 29 May, 13:15–16:15, MW 0350

Further dates, materials, and updates will be shared via Moodle.

About the course

Airport Design and Operations is a 6 session lecture series focusing on the airport as an international mobility hub. The course explains how airport infrastructure, capacity, planning, and operational processes interact within the wider global aviation system and why these aspects are highly relevant for efficient airport operations and aircraft-oriented system design.

Following the concept of the airport life cycle, the course covers airport infrastructure, capacity and constraints, planning based on the relevant catchment area, airport business models and revenue sources, operational processes and their legal framework, as well as environmental and social aspects related to an airport’s license to operate.

What you will learn

Topics addressed in the course include:

• the role of airports in the global mobility network
• airport types and catchment areas
• airport capacity and development planning
• airport location and sustainable master planning
• landside, terminal, and airside infrastructure
• airport business fields and revenue sources
• operational processes and regulatory frameworks
• sustainability and long-term airport development
• implications of climate-neutral aviation and alternative fuels such as hydrogen

Practical perspective

The course is delivered by experts from Munich Airport and provides direct insights into real-world airport planning and operations. At the end of the lecture series, students will also have the opportunity to participate in an excursion to Munich Airport.

Course organization

Course materials and further information will be uploaded throughout the semester. Please check Moodle regularly for updates regarding schedule, rooms, and additional announcements.