Integer plane multiflow maximisation: one-quarter-approximation and gaps

In this paper, we bound the integrality gap and the approximation ratio for maximum plane multiflow problems and deduce bounds on the flow-multicut-gap. We consider instances where the union of the supply and demand graphs is planar and prove that there exists a multiflow of value at least half the capacity of a minimum multicut. We then show how to convert any multiflow into a half-integer flow of value at least half the original multiflow. Finally, we round any half-integer multiflow into an integer multiflow, losing at most half the value thus providing a 1/4-approximation algorithm and integrality gap for maximum integer multiflows in the plane.