OLS modeling using GIS for aviation safety within a challenging topographic and urban neighborhood: the case of Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Abstract

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (B-RHIA), the only international airport in Lebanon, is situated within the heart of a densely populated metropolitan area surrounded by hills towards both the east and south-east directions. Over the years, chaotic and unauthorized expansion of built-up structures surrounding the airport created a hazard to aviation safety. Aviation safety around an airport is maintained through well-defined virtual obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) based on Annex 14 of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In this paper, a study of OLS for Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is presented. Geographical information systems (GIS) technologies were used to visualize and monitor the aerodrome with its surfaces in two and three dimensions and assess any deviations through them. Results showed a large number of obstacles infringing the OLS including the terrain surrounding the airport. Their locations and elevations were determined. Corresponding recommendations for mitigating the effects of those violations were presented.