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Airport Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview The Duty Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day airport operations during their assigned shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and on-time performance in accordance ...

Discover an exciting future at the Airport! Operations Manager - IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport) $75,000 - $85,000 Inland Deicing Services is the world's premier airport deicing ...

We are seeking an experienced Operation Manager to lead our operations at Dulles International Airport. The Operations Manager in responsible for directing and coordinating all ground operations at ...

We are seeking an experienced Operation Manager to lead our operations at Dulles International Airport. The Operations Manager in responsible for directing and coordinating all ground operations at ...

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Airport Operations Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$72.2K

$107.6K

How much do airport operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport operations manager in Virginia is $72,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $85,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airport operations manager do?

An airport operations manager plans and coordinates airport operations and safety programs. As an airport operations manager, your duties are to assist in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; developing and implementing airport operational policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations; and managing noise abatement programs. You work directly with air traffic control, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), command posts, and other airport personnel to ensure efficiency throughout airport operations. Airport operations managers also oversee inspections of the runways and work with civil engineers to maintain safety and operations.

What does an airport operations manager do?

An Airport Operations Manager oversees the daily functioning of airport facilities to ensure safety, security, and efficiency. Their responsibilities include coordinating ground staff, managing emergency responses, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and maintaining communication between airlines, security personnel, and airport authorities. They play a crucial role in handling disruptions, such as weather delays or security incidents, and work to provide a seamless experience for passengers and staff.

What are some common challenges faced by airport operations managers on a daily basis?

Airport Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple teams to ensure smooth daily airport functions, managing unexpected situations like flight delays or weather disruptions, and maintaining compliance with strict safety and security regulations. They must also balance passenger experience with operational efficiency, which can involve quick decision-making and effective communication across departments. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology and regulatory requirements keeps the role dynamic and requires continuous learning.

What is the difference between Airport Operations Manager vs Airport Supervisor?

AspectAirport Operations ManagerAirport Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall airport operations, manages staff, ensures safety compliance, and coordinates with airlines and vendors.Supervises daily ground operations, assists in staff management, and enforces safety procedures.
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, transportation, or related field; certifications like Airport Certified Employee (ACE) are common.Often requires relevant experience in airport operations; certifications may include safety or ground handling training.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with frequent site visits; interacts with multiple departments and external agencies.Primarily on-site, overseeing ground operations and staff directly.

The Airport Operations Manager holds a broader, strategic role overseeing entire airport functions, while the Airport Supervisor focuses on daily ground operations and staff supervision. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but the manager typically has more responsibilities and a higher level of oversight.

How much does an airport operations manager earn?

An airport operations manager typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the airport. They oversee daily airport activities, coordinate safety procedures, and ensure compliance with regulations, often requiring relevant certifications and strong organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Operations jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Airport Operations jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Airport Operations Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Airport Operations Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Airport Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Airport Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Airport Operations Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,233 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Airport Operations Manager

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Overview

The Duty Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day airport operations during their assigned shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and on-time performance in accordance with company, airline, and regulatory standards. This role acts as the primary point of contact for all operational activities, coordinating between ground handling, passenger services, ramp, security, and airline partners to ensure smooth flight operations and exceptional customer experience.

Key Responsibilities include the following, but are not limited to:

  • Monitor and control performance KPIs, on-time arrivals/departures, etc., and ensure they are within established goals
  • Ensure that all records of all transactions relating to the operation are maintained
  • Ensure that administrative and control policies and procedures are maintained
  • Assures all employees comply with company rules and procedures and other authority requirements
  • Mentor or take disciplinary action with subordinates as needed
  • Responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the baggage area. Ensure safe and secure operations, in accordance with the highest possible standards of health, safety, security, and all government statutory requirements
  • Ensures service delivery to customer airlines is according to the airline contracts and within the agreed budget level
  • Monitors performance, taking action to correct any shortfalls
  • Provides reports as required and service delivery measurements
  • Provides leadership to the operations team, developing their skills
  • Support and advice on improvements to working practices, especially those relating to safety and security around baggage operations
  • Establish strong leadership among all supervisors and ramp employees through excellent communication skills and a positive work environment
  • Meet and exceed the client’s KPI’s
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Key Qualifications

  • Associate/Bachelor’s degree preferred, not required
  • Driver's License required for AOA
  • Must have 5+ years of Ground Handling with proven management experience at a high-volume
  • Staff Management experience preferred
  • Ability to speak and understand English / Spanish
  • Must have strong data collection and organizational skills
  • Must be flexible and can work weekends, holidays, and nights
  • Problem-solving and analysis skills
  • Demonstrated ability to read and understand the documented processes and procedures needed
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement in a dynamic environment
  • Excellent writing and communication skills, including interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities
  • Strong self-organization and self-management skills, with an emphasis on self-initiation and follow-through
  • Must be able to pass all prerequisites to obtain a SIDA badge
  • Must pass a criminal background check as well as a drug screen after employment

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position requires the incumbent to be able to speak and be understood, hear, and comprehend the English language, stand for long periods of time, be able to lift approximately 70 pounds, be able to relocate in the event of an emergency, and have a neat and professional appearance.
Work Environment

The Duty Operation Manager will work both indoors and outdoors in secure airport environments, often under variable weather conditions and elevated noise levels. Standard office equipment may be used for reporting and communication.

EEOC

Grupo Eulen is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, and all other protected classes recognized or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.