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Director Airport Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sccaaae

Deputy Director - Airport Operations

Dallas, TX · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

The City of Dallas is seeking a Deputy Director - Airport Operations to provide executive leadership for the operations, safety, security, and emergency readiness across the Dallas Airport System.

Sccaaae

Airport Director - BOI

Boise, ID · On-site

$305 - $340/hr

Direct airport operations while ensuring financial sustainability and regulatory compliance. * Negotiate airline agreements, commercial leases, landing fees, and other strategic business partnerships.

New

Delux Public Charter, LLC

WI · On-site

$100.50 - $125.60/hr

About the Role The Director of Airport Operations provides strategic leadership for airport operations across the JSX network, ensuring stations consistently deliver safe, reliable, and hospitality ...

Jsx

Director of Airport Operations

Dallas, TX

About the Role The Director of Airport Operations provides strategic leadership for airport operations across the JSX network, ensuring stations consistently deliver safe, reliable, and hospitality ...

Denver Int'l. Airport

$38 - $44/hr

The Airside Operations team at Denver International Airport (DEN) has an opening for an Airport ... Coordinates the issuance of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) as directed * Creates work orders within the ...

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Director Airport Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director airport operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director airport operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a director airport operations, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Airport Operations often encounters challenges such as coordinating multiple departments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing unexpected disruptions like severe weather or security incidents. Effective communication and strong leadership are key to addressing these issues, as is staying updated on industry regulations and best practices. Building strong relationships with airlines, government agencies, and airport staff helps foster a collaborative environment, which is essential for smooth operations and effective problem-solving.

What is a director airport operations?

A Director of Airport Operations is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing the daily functioning and strategic planning of airport activities. Their duties often include ensuring compliance with safety regulations, coordinating with airlines and governmental agencies, managing staff, and optimizing passenger and cargo flows. They strive to maintain efficient airport operations while enhancing the customer experience and responding to emergencies or operational disruptions. Directors also play a key role in budget management and implementing new technologies or processes to improve airport services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director airport operations?

To thrive as a Director of Airport Operations, you need extensive knowledge of airport management, regulatory compliance, and safety standards, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with airport operations management systems (AOMS), FAA regulations, and incident response protocols is crucial, and professional certifications such as AAAE's Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) are often preferred. Strong leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with airlines, government agencies, and service providers. These competencies are vital to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient airport operations while meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining operational excellence.

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

AspectDirector Airport OperationsAirport Operations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall airport operations, strategic planning, and policy implementationManages daily airport activities, staff, and operational procedures
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, transportation, or related field; extensive experience in airport operationsUsually requires a bachelor's degree and experience in airport or transportation operations
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, overseeing multiple departmentsOperational setting, managing teams and daily activities
Industry UsageCommonly used in large airports and organizationsUsed across various airport sizes for operational management

The main difference between a Director Airport Operations and an Airport Operations Manager lies in scope and seniority. The director focuses on strategic oversight and policy, while the manager handles daily operations. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the director's role is broader and more strategic.

What cities are hiring for Director Airport Operations jobs?

Cities with the most Director Airport Operations job openings:

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

The most popular types of Airport Operations jobs are:

What states have the most Director Airport Operations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Airport Operations jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Director Airport Operations jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Airport Operations jobs are:

Director Airport Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Airport Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Deputy Director - Airport Operations

Sccaaae

Dallas, TX • On-site

$180 - $230/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The City of Dallas is seeking a Deputy Director – Airport Operations to provide executive leadership for the operations, safety, security, and emergency readiness across the Dallas Airport System. Reporting directly to the CEO/Airport Director, this role ensures regulatory compliance and operational excellence while serving as a key advisor on critical strategies to the City Council and senior leadership. The Deputy Director oversees all public safety, emergency management, and security functions while serving as a liaison to federal, state, and local agencies.

This position leads high-impact functions including emergency response coordination, compliance with federal aviation and security standards, and implementation of safety protocols across all airport operations. The Deputy Director serves as the primary point of contact for the TSA, CBP, Dallas Police, and Dallas Fire Rescue, and takes command during terminal or landside emergencies.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Sets direction and achieves desired results for reliable airport operations, cost management, safety, security, and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Ensures the reliability of the airports and effective and efficient operation.
  • Cultivates partnerships with airport business partners and stakeholders to improve the efficiency of service delivery.
  • Represents the department’s interests in policy, aviation, and technical issues with governmental/ regulatory agencies, boards, councils, commissions, and oversight bodies.
  • Advises executive staff on matters pertaining to operational activities and ensures all functions are operating together effectively to achieve the strategic initiatives and goals.
  • Monitors industry trends and implements best practices.
Preferred Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, or a related field.
  • At least ten (10) years of progressive experience at airports, airlines, or comparable organization.
  • Five (5) years of senior-level management with oversight of multiple teams.
  • Knowledge of strategic business planning and performance measurement to achieve business excellence.
Salary & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. The City of Dallas offers an attractive benefits package and will assist with relocation costs.

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