Coordination assessment and optimization of airport hubs and integrated transportation networks

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport and Ezhou Huahu Airport are set to become China’s first true dual hubs for both passenger and cargo transport. Achieving rapid and efficient flow of passengers and cargo through these airports, as well as building a highly coordinated transportation network, presents a significant challenge. To date, quantitative research on the coordination between airports and integrated transportation networks has been somewhat limited. This study constructs a coordinated evaluation index system based on the Node-Place model, calculates the index weights using the Entropy Weight Method, and assesses and optimizes the coordination between Tianhe Airport and Huahu Airport with their respective regional integrated transportation networks. The results indicate that Tianhe Airport's node value is close to its place value, positioning it within a subordinate area. This means that both Tianhe Airport and the regional integrated transportation networks are developing in balance, though there remains significant potential for further development of transportation functions. In contrast, Huahu Airport, due to its shorter operational period and incomplete regional transportation network, has lower place and node values. This study helps explore the coordination between airports and regional integrated transportation networks, providing decision support for achieving coordinated development and avoiding resource waste in transportation networks.