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Airline Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Food and Beverage Operations Manager will have oversight of food and beverage program ... our airline client's standards of service. Oversight for foh, bar, and back of house . We are ...

... in airline operations, customer experience management and airline human resource management (minimum 15 years of airline operations and customer experience management; minimum 5 years of airline ...

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Airline Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do airline operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for airline operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airline Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airline Operations Manager, you need strong knowledge of aviation regulations, operational logistics, and a relevant degree such as in aviation management or business. Familiarity with airline operations software, flight scheduling systems, and safety compliance tools is typically required, along with certifications like IATA or FAA credentials. Outstanding leadership, crisis management, and communication skills help professionals excel in coordinating teams and responding to operational challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant airline operations in a dynamic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an Airline Operations Manager, and how can they be addressed?

Airline Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as flight delays, crew scheduling conflicts, and unexpected disruptions like adverse weather or technical issues. Proactively addressing these requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with teams across departments, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Building strong relationships with ground staff, air traffic control, and maintenance teams is essential for streamlining operations and minimizing disruptions. Continuous training and investment in new technologies can also help in anticipating and mitigating operational issues.

What does an Airline Operations Manager do?

An Airline Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an airline to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Their duties often include coordinating flight schedules, managing staff, handling disruptions such as delays or cancellations, and ensuring that all operational procedures meet both company standards and legal requirements. They serve as a crucial link between various departments such as ground staff, flight crew, and maintenance teams to guarantee smooth airline operations.

What is the difference between Airline Operations Manager vs Flight Operations Coordinator?

AspectAirline Operations ManagerFlight Operations Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, management, or related field; certifications like IATA or FAA may be preferredOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some roles prefer aviation-related certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, manages staff, and coordinates airline operations at a strategic levelFocuses on scheduling, communication, and supporting flight crews and ground staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, airports, and aviation companies for operational oversightCommonly employed within airline operations teams to ensure flight readiness

While both roles are essential in airline operations, the Airline Operations Manager has a broader managerial scope, overseeing overall airline functions, whereas the Flight Operations Coordinator focuses on specific flight-related tasks and coordination. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the aviation industry.

What cities are hiring for Airline Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Airline Operations Manager job openings:
What states have the most Airline Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Airline Operations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airline Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Airport Operations Duty Manager

Airport Operations Duty Manager

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Dulles, VA โ€ข On-site

$106K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Compensation Grade:
S21
Salary Range:
$106,262.00-$154,080.00
Opening Date:
June 26, 2026
Closing Date:
July 11, 2026
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.
As an Airport Operations Duty Manager, you will perform critical airport management functions to ensure the safe, efficient, and secure operation of the entire airport complex.
Airport Operations Duty Manager
Serves in the Airport Operations Department at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Performs airport management functions with responsibility for the safe, efficient, and secure operation of the entire airport complex. Maintains constant awareness of changing conditions, activities, and requirements affecting Airport operations. Maximizes safety and security with minimal disruption to Airport operations. Reacts and responds to incidents, events, problems, and complaints in a professional manner and takes appropriate actions. Performs related functions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains constant awareness of conditions, activities and changing requirements affecting Airport security. Ensures adherence to the Airport's operations safety standards.
Inspects the operational condition of the Airport complex during each tour of duty and ensures compliance with all related guidelines and requirements. Inspections include but are not limited to landside roads, terminal facilities, airfield runways, taxiways, safety areas, imaginary surfaces, NAVAIDS critical areas and lighting systems.
Documents issues, discrepancies, and non-complying conditions concerning 14 FAR Part 139 and 49 FAR Part 1540 and 1542, and tenant activities to appropriate parties and reports for follow-up actions: monitors progress of corrections; determines severity of discrepancies and priority for corrective action.
Closes all or portions of airfield during emergencies; authorizes the issuances of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
Initiates and directs the appropriate Contingency Plan(s), and makes decisions on behalf of the Airport Manager during emergencies and other events. Coordinates personnel efforts during emergencies.
Serves as a liaison between the Transportation Security Authority (TSA), airlines, tenants and other stakeholders regarding Airport security.
Directs and commits resources to ensure the containment of potential threats or incidents.
Ensures compliance with "Wildlife Hazard Management" regulations.
Directs or initiates action to prevent unsafe operating conditions on the entire Airport complex during inclement weather.
Manages the Airport Operations 24-hour Command Center.
Monitors the activities and operations of general facility and utility systems.
Coordinates with the Public Affairs Department when responding to news media requests.
Ensures coordination with the U.S. Secret Service, State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), TSA, and other agencies pertinent to the security of high-ranking officials, foreign dignitaries, or other "high-risk" individuals that warrant special handling.
Consults with representatives of air carriers, tenants, concessionaires, and Airports Authority personnel to provide assistance and guidance in resolving Airport operations situations.
Reviews the Airport's Security Plan and other Airport operational documents and drawings.
Ensures Airport Daily Activities Report (DAR) is compiled correctly and submitted daily.
Is assigned one or more collateral areas/duties on a continuing basis.
Plans and coordinates movements of the Snow Teams during winter operations.
May initiate and serve in the Incident Command System and the Emergency Operations Center during emergency conditions.
May serve in the role of Airport Security Coordinator in that person's absence.
May substitute for the Supervisory Airport Operations Duty Manager in that person's absence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Six years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations or airline operations as a full performance level Operations Officer, or in a comparable job class in airport or airline operations at either a 14 CFR Part 139 certified airport OR six years of military air operations experience, OR a combination of the two provided that totals six years of operations experience and a bachelor's degree in any field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience leading, or helping to lead, at least one of the following: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport certification; airport, airline, or military security program; recurring disaster/emergency exercises; or the monitoring and coordination of airport construction and maintenance operations.
Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant Federal regulatory requirements governing airports.
Knowledge of aircraft operations, to include navigational and unusual aircraft operating characteristics, and the ability to evaluate aircraft and air traffic and take timely and appropriate action.
Ability to recommend and develop new airport operational policies or procedures, as necessary.
Knowledge of and ability to perform airport management functions.
Ability to analyze complex situations, prioritize issues, and formulate response plans.
Ability to make detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.
Ability to speak and write effectively, with emphasis on communicating sensitive or classified information in an emergency situation.
Skill in using a computer and modern software, with emphasis on security access control systems and weather monitoring systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
None.
EDUCATION
A Bachelor's Degree in any field.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
A state driver's license in good standing.
NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS
Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
May be subject to night/weekend work.
May walk for extended distances, including ascending and descending stairs, to inspect various areas in the terminals or to respond to emergencies.
May be subject to the possibility of bombs and various types of terrorist threats, irate passengers, large crowds, airport trespassers with ill intent, and potential exposure to hazardous materials and contagious diseases.
WHAT WE OFFER
A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.
A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.