Qualitative Assessment of the Use of Big Data and Big Data Tools in the Prevention of Epidemiological Diseases’ Spread Through Airports

The global spread of epidemiological diseases because of inter-country travels through the airports raises concern on the safety and health of the global community. The 2019 coronavirus outbreak that started from Wuhan China and spread to other parts of the world is a typical example. Efforts toward preventing global epidemiological diseases’ spread through the international airport had led to the use of big data and big data technologies. This research investigate the role of big data in the management of epidemiological diseases in aviation industry. The study adopted qualitative research approach using checklist and interviews. The qualitative data were obtain through in-person and telephone interview. The data were analysed using thematic and content analysis. Result showed that Sensor-based Smart Cameras (CCTV), computer-based PCR machines, Fingerprint Biometric Identification and Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons were among the big data collection tools used at the airports. The performance of the airports in term of big data/big data tools availability, functionality and operations was 70%, which showed s high-level of compliance to international best practices by the airports. Top concerns were data privacy, high cost of big data tools and technologies, and limited supplies. The study concluded that there is high-level of utilization and compliance to standards in the ways big data were use among the airport, with consensus on the usefulness of these tools in diseases detection and prevention at airports. It recommends developing robust data governance policies that prioritize the protection of passengers and employees’ data while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This ensure that travelers safety and guarantees the mitigation of diseases’ spread through the airports.