How to increase capacity in itty bitty airport?

High-level planning answer (for small/regional airports): To increase capacity at a very small airport, combine short-term operational fixes with longer-term infrastructure improvements: - Optimize scheduling: stagger flights to avoid peak overlap and use slot management. - Improve turnaround time: streamline boarding, refueling and ground handling with trained crews and checklists. - Use larger aircraft where feasible: replace several small flights with a single larger flight if demand allows. - Upgrade pavement/taxiways: add rapid exits to runways to reduce runway occupancy time. - Expand apron or add remote stands to park more aircraft. - Enhance ATC procedures: implement improved approach procedures (e.g., performance-based navigation) to increase throughput safely. - Community & environmental planning: engage stakeholders early — land, environmental clearances, and funding are critical for expansion. A small airport’s constraints (land, budget, environmental rules) determine which options are realistic. Start with operational fixes while planning capital projects.

Practical, low-cost ideas: - Introduce shuttle buses to off-airport parking to free up curbside space. - Convert underused buildings into passenger holding areas. - Implement self-service kiosks and e-gates to speed check-in. Combining these often gives a noticeable capacity boost without large construction works.