Airport apron roundabout - Operational concept and capacity evaluation

The paper presents one of the initial steps in the evaluation process towards possible implementation of an innovative taxiway intersection design at Munich Airport apron. A roundabout is proposed as a potential solution for the 12-line intersection area expected at redesigned Apron 3. Although it is a common solution used in road transport for complex intersections, the roundabout has never previously been used for airport surface operations nor has its possible use been considered or analyzed. The paper presents preliminary design and operations concepts of the apron roundabout, followed by its capacity evaluation under Munich Airport operating conditions. The aim was to analyze whether a roundabout is suitable to replace a conventional intersection, in terms of capacity.