In this paper, the complex network theory is used to establish the model of ATC sector network. Then, a series of characteristic parameters are defined to perform an empirical analysis on China’s air sector network(CSN). In addition, the vulnerability of CSN is defined and analyzed by using the maximum connected subgraph relative value, network efficiency and network structure entropy. Finally, the indicators which have the greatest impact on vulnerability are applied to identify the critical sectors in the network. The results show that the CSN has a lengthy average shortest path and a small clustering coefficient. The degree distribution follows a segmented power-law distribution and the cumulative distributions of betweenness and strength follow an exponential distribution. Among them, betweenness has the greatest impact on the vulnerability of CSN. This paper provides an alternative perspective to investigate the air traffic systems in China and enriches the toolkit for decision-makers and stakeholders to better understand its operability.

CICTP