Output targeting and capacity utilization for a new-built airport: Analysis for the new airport in Istanbul

Output targeting and capacity utilization issues are crucial but troublesome tasks for the new airport projects. This study aims to identify the output targets for the new-built airport in Istanbul to be considered operationally efficient when compared to regional and global counterparts and to investigate the utilization rate of input resources. To do that, a novel two-stage approach was proposed. The first stage involves setting output targets using a modified DEA approach and multi-layered perceptron algorithm. Once the output targets are determined individually by these two methods, slack variable analysis of DEA was applied in the second stage to define the input slacks related to infrastructure. Analysis results revealed the passenger, cargo, and aircraft movement targets for each stage of the project. Input slacks were also identified, and possible avenues for input reduction were explored that would enhance capacity utilization. •Output targeting and capacity utilization are crucial for the new airport projects.•This paper is based on a case study of the new airport project in Istanbul.•A modified DEA and multi-layered perceptron algorithm were applied.•Output targets are set and input slacks are identified for each stage of the project.