Airport planning course
About our
The Airport Planning Course focuses on the design, development, and management of airports, covering crucial areas such as strategic planning, runway and terminal design, and airport operations management. It explores international aviation legislation, airport security, and environmental sustainability. It delves into passenger and aircraft flow optimization, capacity analysis, and environmental impact assessment.
The course provides practical knowledge of simulation tools and airport design software, preparing participants to address the challenges of the growing demand for air transport. Participants learn to assess the feasibility of airport projects, conduct air traffic studies, and manage the economic and financial aspects of airport operations, including risk management and infrastructure development.
Airport planning course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 2
799 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Comprehensive Airport Planning and Design: Practical Learning
- Identify and evaluate key components in airport planning, including runways, taxiways, terminals, and service areas.
- Apply international standards and regulations (ICAO, FAA) in airport design, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Develop conceptual and detailed airport designs, considering air traffic, passenger capacity, and cargo operations.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools to optimize airport design and capacity.
- Conduct economic feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for airport projects.
- Manage the construction and supervision process of airport infrastructure projects, including contract management and team coordination.
- Integrate sustainability and environmental considerations into airport design and operation, promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Understand and apply airport security and safety principles, including access control, aviation security, and emergency response.
- Analyze and optimize passenger and baggage handling processes, improving user experience and operational efficiency.
- Evaluate and select airport equipment and technologies, including navigation systems, air traffic control, and ground handling equipment.
2. Airport Design: Optimization and Efficiency
- Airport Planning and Design: Essential foundations for the creation and expansion of airport infrastructure.
- Air Traffic Studies: Analysis of demand and growth projections to correctly size facilities.
- Runway and Taxiway Design: Technical criteria for the geometric design, strength, and signage of runways and taxiways.
- Aprons and Terminals: Design of aircraft parking areas, passenger and cargo terminals, optimizing flows and safety.
- Air Navigation Systems: Knowledge of navigation aid systems, lighting, and air traffic control.
- Environmental Considerations: Environmental impact assessment and sustainable airport design.
- Aeronautical Regulations: Compliance with national and international regulations (ICAO, FAA) in airport design and operation.
- Modeling and Simulation: Use of specialized software for operational simulation and design optimization.
Airport Project Management: Planning, execution, and control of airport construction and renovation projects.
Airport Security: Design of physical security measures, access control, and protection against threats.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Strategic and Operational Management of Airports: Specialized Course
- Understand the regulatory framework and international standards governing airport operations.
- Develop skills in strategic airport planning, including demand forecasting and capacity management.
- Master the essential operational aspects of an airport, such as terminal management, security, air traffic control, and runway operations.
- Apply advanced risk and security management techniques in the airport environment, including incident prevention and emergency response.
- Utilize cutting-edge tools and technologies to optimize operational efficiency and the passenger experience.
- Analyze and manage the financial and economic aspects of airport operations, including revenue generation and cost control.
- Design and implement environmental sustainability strategies for airports, considering emissions reduction and waste management.
- Continuously evaluate and improve
- Manage and lead multidisciplinary teams in the airport environment, fostering collaboration and effective communication.
- Apply international best practices in airport management to ensure safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
5. Airport Planning: Design, Management and Feasibility
5. Airport Planning: Design, Management, and Feasibility
- Understand the fundamentals of airport planning, including the design of runways, taxiways, and terminals.
- Evaluate air traffic demand and its impact on airport capacity.
- Analyze aspects of airport management, such as flight scheduling and ground operations management.
- Study the economic and financial feasibility of airport projects.
- Apply simulation tools and techniques to optimize airport design and operation.
- Understand international regulations and standards related to airport planning and design.
- Evaluate the environmental impacts of airports and develop mitigation strategies.
- Develop skills in strategic decision-making within the airport context.
- Analyze case studies Study the planning and design of both successful and problematic airports.
Gain knowledge of the latest trends in airport technology, such as automation and artificial intelligence.
6. Airport Planning: Advanced Techniques and Applications
6. Airport Planning: Advanced Techniques and Applications
Master the fundamentals of airport planning and its importance to the efficiency and safety of operations.
Study methodologies for forecasting air traffic demand, including the analysis of historical data and future projections.
Analyze airport capacity, considering factors such as runway configuration, terminal design, and ground operations management.
Explore strategies for optimizing airspace utilization and traffic flow management, including bottleneck analysis.
Evaluate the environmental impact of airport operations and develop solutions to minimize noise and air pollution.
Delve into the design of airport infrastructure, such as runways, taxiways, and terminals, considering international regulations and standards.
Implement simulation and modeling tools to evaluate the
Who this program is for:
Airport planning course
- Engineers with degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related fields.
- Industry professionals: Original Aircraft Manufacturers (OEMs) of rotorcraft/eVTOLs, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) personnel, consultants, and researchers from technology centers.
- Experts in areas such as Flight Testing, aeronautical certification, avionics, control systems, and flight dynamics who wish to expand their knowledge and specialize.
- Personnel from organizations Aeronautical regulators/authorities and professionals involved in the development and operation of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and eVTOL who need to strengthen their compliance skills.
Recommended Requirements: Prior knowledge of aerodynamics, control systems, and aircraft structures is recommended. A B2+/C1 level of English or Spanish is required. Bridging tracks are available for those who need them.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1.1 Introduction to Airport Planning: Objectives and Scope
1.2 History and Evolution of Airport Planning
1.3 Regulatory and Normative Framework: ICAO, FAA, and other agencies
1.4 Air Traffic Demand Analysis: Methods and Tools
1.5 Site Study: Location Selection and Evaluation
1.6 Conceptual Design: Runways, Aprons, and Terminals
1.7 Functional Design: Operations, Security, and Service Areas
1.8 Economic and Financial Evaluation of Airport Projects
1.9 Sustainability and Environmental Aspects in Planning
1.10 Case Studies: Successful Airports and Common Challenges
2.2 Runway and Taxiway Design: Sizing and Characteristics
2.2 Apron Design: Aircraft Layout and Parking Systems
2.3 Airport Capacity Analysis: Modeling and Simulation
2.4 Terminal Design: Passenger Flow and Space Optimization
2.5 Baggage Handling System Design: Efficiency and Security
2.6 Airport Lighting and Signaling System Design
2.7 Security System Design: Access Control and Surveillance
2.8 Air Navigation and Communications System Design
2.9 Support Infrastructure Design: Maintenance and Fuel Services
2.20 Sustainable Airport Design: Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency
3.3 Introduction to Airport Planning and Design
3.2 International Standards and Regulations (ICAO, FAA)
3.3 Feasibility Study and Site Analysis
3.4 Runway and Taxiway Design
3.5 Terminal and Service Area Design
3.6 Air Navigation Systems and Visual Aids
3.7 Design of Support Infrastructure (Hangars, Parking Garages)
3.8 Environmental Considerations and Sustainability
3.9 Implementation of Technologies and Automation
3.30 Case Studies and Real-World Examples
4.4 Key Concepts of Airport Management: Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities
4.2 Business Models and Revenue Streams in Modern Airports
4.3 Legal and Regulatory Framework: National and International Regulations
4.4 Airport Capacity Planning and Demand Analysis
4.5 Operational Safety Management: Systems and Procedures
4.6 Aviation Security Management: Threats and Mitigation
4.7 Apron Operations: Aircraft Handling and Baggage Management
4.8 Air Traffic Flow Management and Airport Coordination
4.9 Passenger Experience: Terminal Design and Services
4.40 Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Airports
5. Planning and Design: Overview
5.5 Introduction to Airport Planning: Objectives and Scope
5.5 Regulatory Framework and International Standards
5.3 Phases of an Airport Project: From Conception to Operation
5.4 Preliminary Studies: Feasibility, Environmental and Social Impact
5.5 Demand Analysis and Air Traffic Forecasting
5.6 Types of Airports: Classification and Characteristics
5.7 Key Concepts in Airport Design: Runways, Aprons, Terminals
5.8 Emerging Technologies: Sustainability and Smart Airports
5.9 Planning Tools and Software
5.50 Case Studies: International Examples
5. Airport Design: Efficiency and Optimization
5.5 Runway Design: Orientation, Length, and Width
5.5 Apron Design: Aircraft Parking and Services
5.3 Design of Terminals: Passenger and Baggage Flows
5.4 Space Optimization: Security and Operational Zones
5.5 Accessibility and Connectivity: Access Roads and Ground Transportation
5.6 Air Navigation Systems Design: ILS, VOR, DME
5.7 Airport Lighting and Signaling
5.8 Air Traffic Management Systems Design
5.9 Green Airport Design: Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
5.50 Simulation and Modeling: Design Tools
3. Airport Projects: Strategic Analysis
3.5 Economic and Financial Feasibility Studies
3.5 Financing Models for Airport Projects
3.3 Risk Analysis: Identification and Mitigation
3.4 Project Management: Planning, Execution, and Control
3.5 Construction Contracting: Types of Contracts and Tenders
3.6 Quality Management: Quality Control and Assurance
3.7 Cost Management: Budgeting and Budgetary Control
3.8 Time Management: Schedules and Monitoring
3.9 Technology Integration: BIM and 3D Design
3.50 Case Studies: Experiences from Successful and Unsuccessful Projects
4. Airport Management: Operational Strategies
4.5 Airport Operations: Runway and Apron Management
4.5 Terminal Management: Passenger and Baggage Operations
4.3 Security Management: Controls and Procedures
4.4 Emergency Management: Contingency and Response Plans
4.5 Quality Management: ISO 9005 and Other Standards
4.6 Safety Management: SMS Implementation
4.7 Environmental Management: Sustainability and Carbon Footprint Reduction
4.8 Commercial Management: Airport Services and Retail
4.9 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
4.50 Continuous Improvement Strategies: Lean Management
5. Airport Planning: Design and Feasibility
5.5 Air Transport Demand Analysis
5.5 Site Evaluation: Geographic and Environmental Factors
5.3 Conceptual Design: Area and Function Distribution
5.4 Facility Sizing: Runways, Terminals, and Aprons
5.5 Airport Capacity Planning
5.6 Flow Design: Passengers, Baggage, and Aircraft
5.7 Service Design: Parking, Ground Transportation
5.8 Economic Feasibility: Costs, Revenue, and Profitability
5.9 Environmental Impact Assessment: Studies and Mitigation
5.50 Case Studies: Analysis of Specific Projects
6. Airport Planning: Advanced Techniques
6.5 Modeling and Simulation of Air Traffic
6.5 Airport Information Management Systems (AIMS)
6.3 Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM)
6.4 Risk Analysis and Operational Safety
6.5 Emergency Planning and Recovery
6.6 Airspace Utilization Optimization
6.7 Smart Technology Applications
6.8 Airport Customer Experience Management
6.9 Data Analysis and Big Data in Planning
6.50 Implementation of Sustainability Strategies
7. Planning: Airspace and Strategies
7.5 Airspace Structure: Class and Control
7.5 Air Traffic Control (ATC) Procedures
7.3 Air Route Design and Instrument Procedures
7.4 Air Traffic Management (ATM): Concepts and Technologies
7.5 Airport-Airspace Coordination
7.6 Airspace Security: Systems and Regulations
7.7 Air Traffic Flow Optimization
7.8 Environmental Impact of Aviation: Mitigation
7.9 Future Trends in Airspace: Drones and eVTOLs
7.50 Airspace Integration: International Case Studies
8. Design: Case Studies and Simulation
8.5 Case Studies: Detailed Analysis of Global Airports
8.5 Air Traffic Flow Simulation
8.3 Terminal Operations Simulation
8.4 Runway and Apron Design Simulation
8.5 3D Modeling and Visualization
8.6 Application of Simulation Software
8.7 Sensitivity Analysis and Scenarios
8.8 Airport Capacity Assessment
8.9 Design Optimization: Efficiency and Costs
8.50 Presentation of Results and Recommendations
6.6 Introduction to Airport Planning: Fundamental Concepts
6.2 Air Traffic Demand Study: Analysis and Projections
6.3 Runway Design: Orientation, Length, and Width
6.4 Apron Design: Aircraft Parking and Taxiways
6.5 Terminal Design: Architectural Design and Functional Layout
6.6 Air Navigation Systems Design: Instrumentation and Signaling
6.7 Environmental Impact Assessment: Sustainability in Design
6.8 International Regulations and Standards: ICAO and FAA
6.9 Feasibility Studies: Economic and Financial Aspects
6.60 Design Software: Tools and Applications
2.6 Runway Design: Geometric Optimization and Capacity
2.2 Apron Design: Aircraft Handling Efficiency
2.3 Terminal Design: Passenger Flows and Processes
2.4 Surface Movement Systems: Design and Control
2.5 Lighting Design: Safety and Energy Efficiency
2.6 Signaling Design: Navigation and Safety
2.7 Airport Design for Different Aircraft Types
2.8 Airport Design in Complex Environments: Mountains, Coasts
2.9 Smart Airport Design: Technologies and Automation
2.60 Modeling and Simulation: Tools for Optimization
3.6 Feasibility Analysis: Market and Viability Studies
3.2 Conceptual Design: Scope and Objectives Definition
3.3 Preliminary Design: Site Selection and Initial Design
3.4 Detailed Design: Drawings and Technical Specifications
3.5 Project Management: Cost and Schedule Control
3.6 Legal and Regulatory Aspects: Permits and Approvals
3.7 Sustainability: Environmental and Social Impact
3.8 Project Financing: Sources and Structures
3.9 Risk Management: Identification and Mitigation
3.60 Implementation and Start-up
4.6 Operational Management: Flight Scheduling and Resources
4.2 Security Management: Standards and Procedures
4.3 Passenger Services Management: Check-in, Baggage, etc.
4.4 Support Services Management: Catering, Cleaning, etc.
4.5 Emergency Management: Contingency Plans
4.6 Quality Management: Indicators and Continuous Improvement
4.7 Operational Safety Management: SMS and Risk Management
4.8 Revenue Management: Tariffs and Concessions
4.9 Customer Experience Management: Satisfaction and Loyalty
4.60 Digital Transformation in Airports: Technologies
5.6 Feasibility Study: Economic and Financial Analysis
5.2 Conceptual Design: Definition of Requirements and Objectives
5.3 Master Plan: Development and Updating
5.4 Runway and Apron Design: Capacity and Efficiency
5.5 Terminal Design: Passenger Flows and Operations
5.6 Integration with Ground Transportation: Accessibility
5.7 Sustainability: Environmental and Social Impact
5.8 Regulatory Aspects: Compliance
5.9 Risk Assessment: Identification and Mitigation
5.60 Plan Presentation and Approval: Strategies
6.6 Modeling and Simulation Techniques: Scenario Analysis
6.2 Specialized Software Tools: Applications
6.3 Capacity Analysis: Bottlenecks and Optimization
6.4 Demand Management: Forecasting and Adjustments
6.5 Route and Procedure Design: Efficiency
6.6 Airspace Design: Structures and Separation
6.7 Congestion Management: Strategies and Solutions
6.8 Information Systems Design: Automation
6.9 Technological Innovation: Trends
6.60 Case Study Analysis: Best Practices
7.6 Airspace Design: Structure and Organization
7.2 Air Traffic Management: Control and Separation
7.3 Air Route Design: Efficiency and Safety
7.4 Air Capacity Management: Optimization
7.6 7.5 Air Navigation Systems: Instrumentation
7.6 Aeronautical Communication: Protocols and Procedures
7.7 Airport-Airspace Coordination: Flows
7.8 Environmental Impact: Mitigation
7.9 Use of Drones: Airspace Integration
7.60 New Technologies: Applications
8.6 Case Studies: Airport Design and Operation
8.2 Air Traffic Simulation: Tools and Applications
8.3 Runway Design: Case Studies
8.4 Terminal Design: Practical Examples
8.5 Apron Design: Efficiency Analysis
8.6 Risk Analysis: Scenario Simulation
8.7 Emergency Management: Drills and Tests
8.8 Environmental Impact Assessment: Case Studies
8.9 3D Modeling and Visualization: Detailed Design
8.60 Conclusions and Future Perspectives
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).