Enhancing multimodal connectivity between air and rail transport: A case study of Franjo Tuđman Airport
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61089/aot2026.6vnmax84Keywords:
airport connectivity, multimodality, air transport, land transport, railway, SWARAAbstract
Connecting airports with rail transport infrastructure is increasingly emerging as a strategic priority in the context of sustainable development, improving passenger mobility and strengthening multimodality. Such integration contributes to better connectivity of urban and regional areas with airports, expands the airport's catchment area, reduces traffic congestion and emissions, assists with the logistical supply of the airport (especially fuel), and increases the overall efficiency of the transport system. Research efforts to date include analyses of modal shift between road, air, and rail transport, assessments of the economic viability of investments in rail infrastructure, and the development of methodologies for evaluating transport projects and selecting optimal solutions using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The analysis of selecting the best option for connecting an airport to rail transport infrastructure includes four basic criteria: financial, traffic, environmental and availability criteria. For this purpose, the following options have been defined: (A) a direct railway line to the airport, (B) a connection to the existing railway line with organised shuttle transport, and (C) an extension of the tram line or the construction of a new tram line. The scientific contribution of the research is reflected in the systematisation of knowledge about the multimodal integration of air and railway hubs, and the method of using the approach for selecting connection options. The proposed methodology is based on the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method, which assesses the weighting factors of the main criteria in the process of selecting the offered options for connecting an airport, where the connection of Franjo Tuđman Airport in Zagreb to the railway transport infrastructure will be used for the case study. Given these challenges, the aim of this paper is to analyse the possibilities and criteria for connecting airports with railway infrastructure and to identify key factors that influence the development of such integrated transport solutions. Special attention is paid to the evaluation of criteria relevant for planning railway connections to airports by applying multi-criteria decision-making methods.
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