AirTOp Modeling for Houston Intercontinental Airport

Cignus Consulting completed a comprehensive fast-time simulation study at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) using AirTOp, supporting United Airlines and engineering firm ARUP in evaluating Terminal B development alternatives. The study assessed operational impacts, capacity constraints, and delay implications of proposed passenger terminal expansion plans through 2033.

Working closely with United Airlines ramp operations staff and the IAH ATC Tower, Cignus developed and validated baseline airfield simulation models reflecting current East and West Flow configurations. These models incorporated runway usage patterns, taxi flows, apron operations, and arrival/departure procedures to establish a reliable foundation for alternative analysis.

The team then modeled multiple Terminal B North and South expansion scenarios, developing Concepts of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures for future apron operations including remote parking positions, modified taxi flows, and pushback procedures. Results identified congestion hot spots and provided recommendations for infrastructure phasing that would maintain operational efficiency throughout the construction and expansion timeline.