Head of Airport Operations

Role Overview

This leadership position oversees the entire spectrum of airport operations, focusing on airside, terminal, landside, and ancillary areas. The incumbent ensures smooth airport functioning aligned with safety, efficiency, regulatory standards, and quality of service. The role demands strategic planning, operational readiness for expansions, and advancing technological innovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all operational functions including airside, terminal, landside, and auxiliary services.
• Maintain seamless airport operations prioritizing safety, service quality, and regulatory adherence.
• Formulate and execute operational policies, standard operating procedures, strategies, and performance benchmarks.
• Prepare and manage operational activities associated with current and planned airport expansions.
• Supervise aircraft movements, apron activity, stand management, and turnaround performance while ensuring compliance with aviation authorities such as DGCA, BCAS, AAI, and ICAO.
• Monitor and manage airfield operations including runways, taxiways, and aprons to uphold safety and operational efficiency.
• Lead emergency preparedness and readiness efforts for airport crises.
• Ensure excellence in passenger services covering check-in, security screening, boarding procedures, arrivals, baggage handling, and customer support.
• Collaborate closely with airlines and service providers to enhance operational results and passenger satisfaction.
• Oversee enforcement of safety, security, and regulatory compliance, including risk assessments, audits, and inspections.
• Manage Safety Management System (SMS) implementation and the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
• Act as principal liaison with government and regulatory bodies including airlines, security forces like CISF and BCAS, customs, immigration, and aviation authorities.
• Facilitate coordination among internal departments and external agencies for smooth airport functioning.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and manage crisis response discussions.
• Balance cost management with high service standards by monitoring KPIs and productivity metrics.
• Promote business expansion through operational excellence and continual process refinement.
• Lead, develop, and mentor high-performing operational teams while building succession and talent development plans.
• Foster a culture emphasizing safety, responsibility, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Champion technological advancements such as digital airport initiatives, automation, and data-driven operational optimization.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in aviation management, engineering, airport operations, business administration, or a related field.
• Bring 15 to 20+ years of progressive experience in airport operations, aviation, airlines, or airport infrastructure management.