Modeling and Invulnerability Analysis of Multilayer Air Traffic Network considering Altitude Layer

In this paper, a network coupling mechanism is studied to couple the air sector network, airport network, and air route network into a multilayer air network model. Then, the altitude layers are divided into three: high, medium, and low, and the arrival and departure flight procedures are also considered. By defining the association between the altitude layers and the waypoints, a multilayer air network model considering the altitude layer is constructed. Then, the line graph theory is used to redefine the nodes and edges, and the network is reconstructed to obtain a new single-layer one which is easy to calculate. Finally, a case study is carried out in Chengdu control area. The results show that the proposed model is closer to the reality, and the invulnerability performance is more referential. Besides, it also reflects the impact of altitude layers on the efficiency of airspace. The results are helpful for air traffic controllers to manage airspace better and have significance for promoting air traffic safety and stability.