Beyond the basics: Why traditional gate assignment falls short

Every day, airports around the world make thousands of decisions, one of the most important being which gate each flight should use. For years, this has been done manually or using basic rule-based systems. While these methods may get the job done, they often leave little room to adapt to real-world challenges like delays, last-minute changes, or shifting passenger flows. The result? Frustrated travelers, long walks across terminals, and missed commercial opportunities.

Some airports have moved to more advanced optimization tools, using mathematical models to make better decisions. These tools aim for the “best” solution, but usually focus on just one goal, like reducing taxi time or avoiding gate conflicts. Trying to balance all the priorities that matter (passenger comfort, retail access, operational efficiency) can make these systems overly complex and hard to scale.

MORL in action: Balancing efficiency, retail, and passenger comfort

This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to change the game. By learning from data and adapting to changing conditions, AI opens new possibilities for smarter, more responsive airport operations. And among these innovations, one stands out: Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning (MORL).

MORL is a next-generation approach that helps airports balance multiple priorities at once. It learns to assign gates in ways that improve the passenger journey (shorter walks, smoother transfers) while also supporting airport goals like boosting retail footfalls, minimizing disruptions, and making the most of available infrastructure.

What makes MORL truly exciting is its ability to keep learning and adapting. As flight schedules change or unexpected events occur, the system can adjust on the fly, delivering decisions that are not just efficient, but also resilient and passenger friendly.

In a world where travelers expect more and airports face growing complexity, MORL offers a powerful new way forward. It’s not just about assigning gates; it’s about creating a smarter, more connected airport experience that works for everyone.

(C) Kanu Aravind