A Variable Neighborhood Search approach for the aircraft conflict resolution problem

A metaheuristic approach based on Variable Neighborhood Search to tackle the enroute aircraft conflict resolution problem is presented. The three maneuvers (velocity, heading angle and altitude level variations) are allowed to be performed. Based on geometric rules, we can determine if a conflict situation occurs between each pair of aircraft under consideration. As three different maneuvers could be performed, they are dealt with in a multiobjective framework, allowing Air Traffic Control officers to make the final decision based on economic and comfort terms. Air Traffic Management; aircraft conflict avoidance; Variable Neighborhood Search; multiobjective optimization