Managing a multiple-gateway airport system with super high-speed rail

In this study, we analyzed the airport choice behavior of inbound Chinese travelers to Japan. We determined the effect of launching super high-speed rail (SHSR) on air-rail integration and its effect on the gateway functions of airports connected by high-speed rail or SHSR. We developed a bi-level model adopting nested-type stochastic user equilibrium using a capacity constraints model. Based on simulations, we concluded that (i) introducing SHSR can reduce the congestion at the primary gateway airport; (ii) direct connection with SHSR can enhance the gateway function of secondary gateway airports; (iii) when a low-cost carrier is operating in the market, the gateway function at secondary airports without SHSR may be diminished by the introduction of SHSR.