Control-based optimization approach for aircraft scheduling in a terminal area with alternative arrival routes

•An optimization model was developed for dynamically scheduling aircraft operations.•The model associates landing and departure times with executable flight commands.•We introduced and modeled the concept of alternative approach routes.•Computational tractability was observed for most of the operating scenarios.•5–35% delay reduction was obtained with actual data from SBGR.

This paper presents an optimization approach for dynamically scheduling aircraft operations and supporting air traffic controllers in both determining and implementing operationally feasible landing and departure times at an airport. The mixed integer linear programming model proposed incorporates air traffic control infrastructure in terms of route network, introduces the concept of alternative approach routes and is designed to generate an output that can be converted into effective advisories for executable flight commands. It shows reasonable computational times for obtaining the optimal solution and delay reductions of up to 35% with practical size instances from Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport.