Topology and Robustness of Weighted Air Transport Networks in Multi-Airport Region

Topological analyses of multi-airport regional air transport networks are the basis for sustainable development systems. In this study, we modeled Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region’s airport infrastructure as a network and presented weighted approach by which to analyze structure robustness from perspective complex theory. The analysis Airport Network (YRDAN) indicates that it is small-world network, its cumulative degree has power-law distribution, suggesting scale-free properties. As clustering coefficient was found be much smaller than non-weighted counterpart, demonstrates most traffic focused on hub-and-spoke pattern. Furthermore, over-centrality YRDAN suggests weak accessibility small cities high dependence assessment in face intentional attacks domestic more robust foreign aviation networks. However, isolation fraction selected nodes can cause serious problems functioning YRDAN.