A hybrid robust SBM-DEA, multiple regression, and MCDM-GIS model for airport site selection: Case study of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran

Abstract

This study focuses on the strategic decision-making process for selecting airport locations in developing countries, where investment constraint is a significant concern. Recognizing that airport location decisions are influenced by a multitude of factors, often in the absence of comprehensive data and amidst uncertain forecasts, there is a need for a methodology capable of adeptly handling various factors under uncertainty. The goal is to provide solutions that remain feasible and near-optimal, even with some variations in input parameters, ensuring robustness. To this end, this research introduces a decision tool incorporating Slack-Based Measurement in Robust Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-RDEA). The Slack-based method is beneficial in cases with multiple inputs and outputs where their relationships are not strictly proportional, as in the airport location selection problem. DEA, in conjunction with Multiple Regression analysis, leverages available data on the attributes of operational regional airports to compute the significance of these criteria in shaping the success factors of these facilities. Furthermore, these weightings can be employed to evaluate the suitability of airport locations currently under development and assess their potential for contributing to regional development. Additionally, to address the uncertainty of input data, a Robust optimization approach is employed to ensure a reliable response for this strategic decision-making process. This weighting framework is utilized twice within the research methodology: first, to assess the potential of different counties in the state for hosting a new regional airport, and second, to identify the optimal location for the airport in an MCDM-GIS analysis. This methodology has been applied to a case study in Sistan and Baluchistan, Iran. The result of the proposed method has been compared with one of the most common existing methodologies. This method identifies Zahedan County as having the highest potential and selects the location (29.48° N, 60.90° E), in the east of Zahedan city, as the optimal site for airport construction. Validation results confirm the efficacy of this solution.