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Airport Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Airport Operations Manager information

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$36.5K

$72.9K

$108.5K

How much do airport operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport operations manager in the United States is $72,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $86,000.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airport Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Operations Manager, you need strong leadership skills, in-depth knowledge of airport procedures, safety regulations, and a relevant degree, often in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with airport management systems, FAA regulations, and certifications such as AAAE accreditation are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and crisis management skills help you handle emergencies and coordinate teams effectively. These skills ensure smooth airport operations, compliance with safety standards, and the ability to respond swiftly to operational challenges.

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 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Airport Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Airport Operations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Operations jobs? The most popular types of Airport Operations jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Airport Operations Manager jobs? The top employers for Airport Operations Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Airport Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Operations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airport Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,858 per year, or $35 per hour.
Airport Operations Crew

Airport Operations Crew

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


JetBlue rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Position Title: Airport Operations Crew (FLL)

 

Position Summary: 

The Airport Operations Crew provides award-winning customer service to customers in the airport. The crewmember checks in and verifies customers' personal identification; tags, lifts, and handles customer luggage; books, sells, and verifies flight reservations; meets and assists with flight arrivals and departures; helps prepare aircraft cabin for departure; coordinates customer boarding and deplaning; assists customers with special needs; and complies with any ad-hoc requests as needed. Individuals must excel at serving customers and be comfortable speaking on a public address system, using computers and airport equipment. 

Essential Functions

  • Verify customers' personal identification
  • Tag, lift, and handle customer luggage
  • Announce flight arrivals, departures, and pre-boarding information via the public address system
  • Communicate with our customers to keep them constantly informed
  • Offer ancillary products to our customers such as "even more speed" and "even more space"
  • Coordinate various duties with coworkers and other departments to ensure proper handling of customers
  • Help prepare aircraft cabin for customer boarding and departure, which includes cleaning of seats, seat-pockets, gallies, lavatories and floor
  • Operation of airport equipment, e.g. customer enplaning/deplaning equipment such a Jet bridge, Turbo way, airstairs, etc.
  • Assist customers with special needs, e.g. customers who need assistance in boarding
  • Crewmembers will be required to perform and/ or rotate through all Airport Operations related functions (gate, ticket counter, etc.)
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma
  • At least eighteen (18) years old
  • One (1) year of customer service or sales experience
  • Strong interpersonal and listening skills
  • Complete fluency in written and spoken English
  • Candidates must complete an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics of Adaptability, Customer Service, and Safety Orientation using AI- or statistically-based scoring
  • Must be able to adhere to JetBlue Uniform Policy Manual Standards 
  • Able to travel and/or work variable hours, flexible shifts, including holidays and weekends
  • Experience using a mouse, computer, keyboard and basic word processing, email and office applications
  • Must be able to use handheld radios and microphones to communicate with operations and make all terminal announcements
  • Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge
  • Experience performing under pressure and within fixed time constraints
  • Depending upon location, may need to possess and maintain a valid Driver License and a driving record that meets JetBlue Airways' insurance standards
  • Depending on location, may need to acquire and maintain a United States Customs Clearance
  • Available for occasional overnight travel (10%)
  • Able to make occasional trips to other locations for training or temporary assignment
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
  • Authorization to work in the US is required, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship
  • For internal candidates, good standing in attendance performance and safety

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of customer service, volunteer experience or sales experience
  • Knowledge of customer service principles and practices strongly
  • Experience working with various forms of payment (cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.)
  • Previous airline experience
  • Bilingual skills

Crewmember Expectations

  • Regular attendance and punctuality     
  • Ability to work flexible hours including holidays/ weekends/ and overnight shifts
  • Able to maintain a professional appearance
  • When working or traveling on JetBlue flights, and if time permits, all capable crewmembers are asked to assist with light cleaning of the aircraft
  • Must be an appropriate organizational fit for the JetBlue culture, that is, exhibit the JetBlue values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion, and Fun
  • Promote JetBlue's #1 value of safety as a Safety Ambassador, supporting JetBlue's Safety Management System (SMS) components, Safety Policy and behavioral standards
  • Identify safety and/or security concerns, issues, incidents or hazards that should be reported and report them whenever possible and by any means necessary including JetBlue's confidential reporting systems (Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) or Safety Action Report (SAR))
  • Responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations (FAA, OSHA, DOT, etc.) and Company policies, procedures and risk controls
  • Uphold JetBlue's safety performance metric goals and understand how they relate to their duties and responsibilities
  • The use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position.

Equipment

  • Computer and other office equipment
  • Public Address System
  • Jet bridge and/or air stairs (customer enplaning/deplaning equipment)
  • Handheld radios
  • Free-standing computer kiosks used to identify and process customer reservations
  • Light Emitting Diode (LED) screens and signs

Work Environment

  • Airport environment
  • Subject to weather and elevated noise levels within airports
  • Ability to stand for an extended period of time
  • Mandatory over-time may be required to cover irregular operations which occasionally cause extended work days

Physical Effort

  • Moderate physical activity required by handling objects up to fifty (50) pounds frequently and/or seventy to one hundred (70-100) pounds occasionally with the assistance of other people or tools.

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