Towards Smart Airport Management: A Service-Oriented Architecture for Passenger Flow Integration and Travel-Time Prediction

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18089/tms.20260205

Keywords:

Smart Airport Management, Passenger Flow, System Interoperability, Service-Oriented Architecture, Travel Time Prediction

Abstract

The continuous growth of global air transport in the era of tourism globalisation and the increasing complexity of airport operations highlight the need for integrated technological solutions that support data-driven management. This study proposes a high-level integrated model that consolidates information from multiple airport systems and enables automated analysis of passenger flows and travel-time prediction. A snowball sampling methodology based on structured interviews with experts at Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport was used to examine the feasibility, requirements, and potential value of implementing such an integrated approach. Drawing on contemporary research in service-oriented architectures, the study outlines a conceptual framework centred on a middleware layer that orchestrates communication between heterogeneous subsystems. The proposed model offers a structured basis for developing more flexible, scalable, and predictive airport management tools. This work contributes to the discussion on digital transformation in complex airport environments, as the findings highlight a clear need to improve the interoperability of systems and data and establish a foundation for future research.

Author Biographies

  • Natalia Hustova-Harifulina, University of Malaga

    Natalia Hustova-Harifulina is a PhD Candidate in Tourism at the University of Malaga. She is also a researcher and project manager at the Andalusian Institute for Research and Innovation in Tourism, University of Malaga. Her main research interests focus on digitalisation as a tool to improve efficiency in tourism processes and to support the sustainable development of destinations and companies.

  • Antonio Guevara-Plaza, University of Malaga

    Antonio Jesús Guevara Plaza holds a PhD in Economics and Business from the University of Malaga, Spain, where he is an Associate Professor. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Malaga and is a member of the directing committee of the Andalusian Institute for Research and Innovation in Tourism. His main area of specialisation is the relationship between tourism and ICTs, and he has led numerous projects focused on the sustainable development of destinations, companies and tourism resources.

References

AENA (2025). Air traffic statistics at Malaga Costa del Sol Airport throughout 2024. Retrieved 25.05.2025 from https://www.aena.es/es/estadisticas/informes-anuales.html

AENOR (2017). The future of airports. Retrieved 25.05.2025 from https://www.aenor.com/Certificacion_Documentos/Artículos/33mar17-El%20futuro%20de%20los%20aeropuertos.pdf

Aires, J., Costa, C., Brandão, F., & Flores, L. C. S. (2025). Conceived vs Operationalised Innovation: A Study of Tourism Entrepreneurs. Tourism & Management Studies, 21(1), 57-74. https://doi.org/10.18089/tms.20250104

Alanazi, M., Jenkins, K., & Li, J. (2024). Predicting passengers' feedback rate for airport service quality. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 24, 101046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2024.101046

Amadeus (2017). Airport digital transformation. Retrieved 27.06.2025 from https://amadeus.com/documents/en/airports/research-report/airports-digital-transformation.pdf

ATAG (2020). Aviation benefits beyond borders. Retrieved 27.05.2025 from https://aviationbenefits.org/media/167517/aw-oct-final-atag_abbb-2020-publication-digital.pdf

Bean, J. (2010). Web services and other service types and styles in SOA and Web Services Interface Design: principles, techniques and standards. MK/OMG Press, 43-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374891-1.00003-4

Bezerra, G.C.L., & Gomes, C.F. (2019). Determinants of passenger loyalty in multi-airport regions: implications for tourism destination. Tourism Management Perspectives, 31, 145-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2019.04.003

Bieberstein, N., Marc, S.B., Keith Jones, & F., Shah, R. (2005). Service-Oriented Architecture Compass: Business Value, Planning and Enterprise Roadmap. IBM Press. ISBN 0-13-187002-5.

Bolo, M. (2006). Arquitectura de integración orientada a servicios. Revista Digital de la Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas, 1, 19-46. https://doi.org/10.26439/interfases2006.n001.169

Boumahdi, F., Oqaibi, H., Chalal, R., Hentabli, H., & Madai, A (2023). MDA4SOA+d: A new model driven architecture to supporting decision making in SOA, Journal of King Saud University – Computer and Information Sciences, 35(5), 101544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksuci.2023.03.022

Briones-Pañalver, A. J., Santos, J.A.C., Conesa, J. A. B., & Santos, M. C. (2018). Influence of Cooperation and Collaborative ICT in Knowledge Management. Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 77(6), 313-317.

Bukhsh, Z. A., van Sinderen, M.J., & Singh, P. (July 2015). SOA and EDA: A Comparative Study - Similarities, Differences and Conceptual Guidelines on their Usage. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on e-Business - Volume 0ICETE, 213-220, 2015 , Colmar, Alsace, France. http://dx.doi.org/10.5220/0005539802130220

Dalmau, R., Trzmiel, A., & Kirby, S. (2025). Combining Machine learning models to improve estimated time of arrival predictions. European Journal of Transport and Infrastructure Research, 25(1), 45-66. https://doi.org/10.59490/ejtir.2025.25.1.7488

Deloitte (2022). El despegue del sector aéreo. https://perspectivas.deloitte.com/despegue-sector-aereo?utm_source=web&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=despegue-sector-aereo-dtt

Demirel, S., & Cinar, E. (2025). Optimising aircraft operations in case of increasing demand for limited airport capacity. European Journal of Transport and Infrastructure Research, 25(1), 86-101. https://doi.org/10.59490/ejtir.2025.25.1.7175

Dimitriou J. D., Mourmouris, & C.J., Sartzetaki F.M. (2017). Quantification of the air transport industry socio-economic impact on regions heavily dependent on tourism. Transportation Research Procedia, 25, 5242-5254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2018.02.051

Dimitriou, D. J., & Aparicio, S. (2018). Comparative evaluation of airports productivity towards tourism development. Cogent Business & Management, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2018.1464378

Dimitriou, D.J., Sartzetaki, M., & Karagkouni, A. (2024). Chapter one – Airport operators performance management in the era of business intelligence. Managing Airport Corporate Performance, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-29109-8.00001-3

Erickson, J., & Siau, K. (2009). Service Oriented Architecture: A Research Review from the Software and Applications Perspective. Journal of Database Management 19(3), 42-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60566-278-7.ch010

Esparza Peidro, J., Muñoz Escoí, F., & Bernabéu Aubán, J. M. (2024). Modelling microservice architectures. Journal of Systems and Software, 213, 112041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2024.112041

Eurostat (2025). Air passenger transport by type of schedule, transport coverage and country. Retrieved 27.06.2025 from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/avia_paoc__custom_18101537/default/table

Gorton, I. (2011). Essential Software Architecture. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-19176-3

Grant, D., & Yeo, B. (2021). Enterprise integration using Service-Oriented Architecture, Issues in Information Systems, 22(1), 164-177. https://doi.org/10.48009/1_iis_2021_164-177

Guan, J., & Barker, R. M. (2002). The strategic imperative for an integrated enterprise. International Business & Economics Research Journal, 1(6), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.19030/iber.v1i6.3940

Guerrero Bejarano, M. A. (2016). Qualitative research. INNOVA Research Journal, 1(2), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.33890/innova.v1.n2.2016.7

Gupta, P., Mokal, T.P., Shah, D.D., & Satyanarayana, K.V.V. (2016). Event-driven SOA-based IoT architecture. In Dash, S.S., Das, S., Panigrahi, B. K. (Ed.), Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 247-259. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5520-1

Hustad, E., & Olsen D, H. (2021). Creating a sustainable digital infrastructure: the role of service-oriented architecture. Procedia Computer Science, 181, 597-604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.01.210

IATA (2018). Future of the Airline industry 2035. Retrieved 30.06.2025 from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/086e8361b2f4423e88166845afdd2f03/iata-future-airline-industry.pdf

IATA (2023). Global Outlook for Air Transport. Highly Resilient, Less Robust. Retrieved 30.06.2025 from https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/global-outlook-for-air-transport----june-2023/

Korkmaz, H., Filazoglu, E., & Selahattin Ates, S. (2023). Enhancing airport apron safety through intelligent transportation systems: proposed FEDA model. Safety Science, 164, 106184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106184

Lazzari, L., & Farias, K. (2023). Event-driven architecture and REST architectural style: An exploratory study on modularity. Journal of Applied Research and Technology (21), 338-351. https://dx.doi.org/10.22201/icat.24486736e.2023.21.3.1764

Marks, E.A. (2008). Service-oriented architecture governance for the services driven enterprise. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119197584

Matias, M., Ferreira, E., Mateus-Coelho, N., Ribeiro, O., & Ferreira, L. (2024). Evaluating Effectiveness and Security in Microservices Architecture. Procedia Computer Science, 237, 626-636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.05.148

Mayring, P. (2000). Qualitative content analysis. Forum: Qualitative social research 1(2). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-1.2.1089

Mokhtarimousavi, S., & Mehrabi, A. (2023). Flight delay causality: Machine learning technique in conjunction with random parameter statistical analysis. International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology, 12, 230-244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtst.2022.01.007

Nayeem, M. H., Moradi, S., Ibne Hossain, N. U., Shamsuddoha, M., & Islam, M. S. (2025). Systems dynamics modelling for assessing operational performance of an airport terminal. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 19, 101345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2024.101345

Niknejad, N., Ismail, W., Ghani, I., Nazari, B., Bahari, M., & Che Hussin, A. B. (2020). Understanding Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): A Systematic Literature Review and Directions for Future Investigation. Information Systems, 91, 101491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.is.2020.101491

Ramírez Chávez, M.A., & Ramírez Torres, T.Z. (2024). The DELPHI method as a research tool. A review. Latin American Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.56712/latam.v5i1.1842

Richards, M. (2022). Software architecture patterns. Understanding common architectural styles and when to use them. O'Reilly Media Inc. ISBN 978-1-098-13427-3

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., & Elam, G. (2006). Designing and Selecting Samples (Ed. J. Ritchie and J. Lewis). Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Rodriguez Sanz, A., Fernández de Marcos, A., Pérez Castán, J., Gómez Comendador, F., Arnaldo Valdés, R., & París Loreiro, Á. (2021). Queue behavioural patterns for passengers at airport terminals: a machine learning approach. Journal of Air Transport Management, 90, 10940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2020.101940

Roling, P. C., & Visser, H. G. (2008). Optimal airport surface traffic planning using mixed-integer linear programming. International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 732828. https://doi.org/10.1155/2008/732828

Rowe, G., & Wright, G (2001). Expert opinions in forecasting: the role of the Delphi technique. In J. Armstrong (Ed.) Principles of forecasting (125-144). International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, 30. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-306-47630-3_7

Sartzetaki, M., Dimitrou, D., & Karagkouni, A. (2019). Optimum allocation of time resources for transport operation enterprises. Computer science journal, 10(3), 29-43. https://www.cscjournals.org/library/manuscriptinfo.php?mc=IJBRM-272

Scala, P., Mujica Mota, M., Wu, C.L., & Delahaye, D. (2021). An optimisation-simulation closed-loop feedback framework for modelling the airport capacity management problem under uncertainty. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2020.102937

Schultz, M., Reitmann, S., & Alam, S. (2021). Predictive classification and understanding of weather impact on airport performance through machine learning. Transportation Research Part C, 131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2021.103119

SESAR JU (2020). Automation in air traffic management: Long-term vision and initial research roadmap. Retrieved 12.7.2025 from https://www.sesarju.eu/sites/default/files/documents/reports/automation%20atm%20vision%20roadmap.pdf

Sharma, S., Dogra, J., & Khan, S. (2024). Destination resilience and transformations in the tourism sector: new tendencies in destination development and management. Tourism & Management Studies, 20(4), 17-26. https://doi.org/10.18089/tms.20240402

SITA (2023a). 2023 air transport IT insights. Retrieved 12.7.2025 from https://www.sita.aero/globalassets/docs/surveys--reports/2023-air-transport-it-insights-v6.1.pdf

SITA (2023b). The future of common use for airports. Retrieved 12.7.2025 from https://www.sita.aero/contentassets/140546d250f94d2bb47663d51a2d4f62/230132-sita-common-use-airports-a4-brochure.pdf

Solarte-Martínez, G.R., Trejos-Buriticá, O.I., & Muñoz Guerrero, L.E. (2021). SOA distributed systems architecture. Scientia et Technica, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.22517/23447214.22291

Storey, L., 2007. Doing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. In Lyons, E., Coyle, A. (Eds.), Analysing Qualitative Data, 51-64 Psychology SAGE Publications, Los Angeles.

UNWTO (2020). International Tourism Highlights, 2020 Edition. Retrieved 12.7.2025 from https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/epdf/10.18111/9789284422456

Vernadat, F. (2003). Enterprise modelling and integration: From fact modelling to enterprise interoperability. In K. Kosanke, R. Jochem, J. G. Nell, & A. Ortiz Bas (Eds.), Enterprise inter- and intra-organisational integration: Building international consensus, 25–33. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Press.

Vernadat, F. (2004). Interoperable enterprise systems: Principles, architectures and metrics. In Proceedings of international conference on management control and production logistics (MCPL'04) (Keynote paper). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.16855.27048

Vernadat, F.B. (2007). Interoperable enterprise systems: Principles, concepts, and methods. Annual Reviews in Control, 31(1), 137-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcontrol.2007.03.004

Von der Burg, M., & Sharpanskykh, A. (2025). Modelling and analysis of autonomous airport surface movement operations based on multi-agent planning. European Journal of Transport and Infrastructure Research, 25(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.59490/ejtir.2025.25.1.7459

von der Gracht, H. (2012). Consensus measurement in Delphi studies: Review and implications for future quality assurance. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 79(8), 1525–1536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2012.04.013

Wang, L., Mao, J., Li, L., & Tu, Y. (2023). Prediction of estimated time of arrival for multi-airport systems via "Bubble" mechanism. Transportation Research Part C, 149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2023.104065

Wang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Prediction of runway configurations and airport acceptance rates for multi-airport system using gridded weather forecast. Transportation Research Part C, 125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2021.103049

Yao, H., Huang, Y., & Liu, J. (2023). Study on travel behaviour characteristics of air passengers in an airport hinterland. Journal of Air Transport Management, 112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2023.102440

Zaharia, S. E., & Pietreanu, C.V. (2018). Challenges in airport digital transformation. Transportation Research Procedia, 35, 90-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2018.12.016

Zimmerman, O. (2016). Microservices tenets Agile approach to service development and deployment, Computer Research and Development, 32, 301-310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00450-016-0337-0

Downloads

Published

25.06.2026

Issue

Section

Business/Management: Research Papers

How to Cite

Hustova-Harifulina, N., & Guevara-Plaza, A. (2026). Towards Smart Airport Management: A Service-Oriented Architecture for Passenger Flow Integration and Travel-Time Prediction. Tourism & Management Studies, 22(2), 57-71. https://doi.org/10.18089/tms.20260205

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 > >> 

Similar Articles

1-10 of 607

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.