Mathematical model and application of the A-star algorithm to optimize ATS routes in the area control center Ho Chi Minh airspace

The optimization of air traffic service (ATS) route networks is an effective approach to improving the structure of airspace, increasing its capacity, and reducing air traffic congestion. This paper presents a mathematical model and a method for optimizing ATS route networks based on the Astar algorithm, applied to the area control center Ho Chi Minh (ACC HCM) airspace. The ACC HCM airspace (one of the two ACC airspaces in Vietnam) ranks among the leading airspaces in Southeast Asia in terms of both size and workload. The objective function of the model is to minimize the total length of each ATS route within the studied airspace by systematically addressing specific constraints and optimizing the spatial configuration of ATS routes to ensure the most efficient passage within the given parameters. The calculation results demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach in increasing the airspace capacity, reducing air traffic congestion and operating costs, while maintaining the required level of safety.