Capacity at an airport is limited by a variety of constraints with the most restrictive of these governing the overall capacity. In order to sustain growth, the airport must engage in Airside capacity planning to meet future demands. Therefore, the primary objective of this process is to provide a structure for identifying and targeting the constraints that are limiting current or future capacity. It starts by quantifying the capacity requirements for the short and medium term and then determines what constraints will impact on the ability of the airport to achieve those requirements. The prerequisites are to have an in depth knowledge and profile of the current and forecast capacity requirements, understanding of all constraints that can effect the process and accurate and reliable information on all areas associated with the development of the airport.

The Airside Capacity Planning Method Document describes a step by step process leading to the development of a Capacity Plan:

        STEP 1 – Establish the baseline capacity

        STEP 2 – Determine future demand

        STEP 3 – Determine if a shortfall will exist

        STEP 4 – Identify the constraints

        STEP 5 – Score the constraint impact

        STEP 6 – Identify remedial actions

        STEP 7 – Score the remedial action impact and cost

        STEP 8 – Establish priorities

        STEP 9 – Establish Capacity Enhancement Plan