An Integrated Airport Planning Framework for Spatially Imbalanced Regions

Abstract

Airport planning in archipelagic regions is challenged by fragmented geography, limited connectivity, and spatial-functional imbalances between administrative centers, activity concentrations, and transportation infrastructure. This study proposes an integrated airport planning framework that combines terrain suitability analysis, spatial constraints and land-use restrictions, accessibility analysis based on transport networks, and preferred candidate zone delineation through a GIS-based stepwise screening process. The framework is demonstrated through a case study of Sofifi, Indonesia. Terrain suitability was assessed using slope analysis derived from DEM data, while spatial constraints incorporated protected areas, water bodies, spatial planning regulations, and settlement buffer zones. Accessibility was evaluated using service area and isochrone analyses. The results indicate that suitable land is limited and becomes increasingly constrained after the application of spatial restrictions and settlement buffers. Accessibility to existing airport infrastructure remains restricted due to dependence on multimodal transport connections, particularly scheduled sea crossings. The framework identifies preferred candidate zones that are physically suitable, spatially compliant, and relatively accessible within the regional transport system. The proposed framework provides a transferable and complementary planning tool by integrating suitability, constraints, accessibility, and candidate zone delineation within a single GIS-based analytical process for airport planning in archipelagic regions experiencing spatial-functional imbalances.

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