What Is Airport Operations?

Airport Operations is the field responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous functioning of an airport. Airport Operations Specialists (often called Ops, Airfield Operations, or AOA Operations) oversee the movement areas, monitor airport conditions, coordinate with pilots and ATC, and enforce strict FAA regulations.

They are the people who keep the entire airport running smoothly—day and night.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting airfield inspections (runways, taxiways, lighting, signage)

• Monitoring wildlife hazards and managing safety protocols

• Checking runway friction, contamination, and NOTAM conditions

• Coordinating with airlines, ATC, maintenance, ARFF (firefighters), and security

• Managing airport emergencies, disabled aircraft, and irregular operations

• Issuing and updating NOTAMs

• Ensuring compliance with FAA Part 139 regulations (required for commercial service airports)

• Overseeing construction activities and runway closures

• Responding to incidents across the airfield

Airport Operations personnel serve as the “eyes and ears” of the airport surface. Their job demands awareness, communication skill, rule knowledge, and the ability to act quickly in high-pressure environments.

How to Start Your Journey in Airport Operations

Airport Operations has one of the most accessible entry paths in aviation, but it still requires training, regulatory knowledge, and in many cases, certifications.

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability to obtain security clearance for airport SIDA badges

• Strong communication and decision-making skills

• Ability to work irregular hours (airports rarely close)

2. Education or training background

While not always mandatory, most Airport Ops hires have degrees in:

• Aviation Management

• Aeronautical Science

• Airport Operations / Airport Administration

• Aerospace / Aviation Studies

• Emergency Management

Some airports will consider candidates with strong on-the-job experience or military backgrounds.

3. Obtain key certifications (recommended but not required initially)

• AAA Airport Certified Employee (ACE) – Airfield Operations

• AAA Airport Certified Employee: Security or Operations

• NIMS / ICS Emergency Management Courses

• ARFF familiarity training

These certificates help new applicants stand out.

4. Apply for entry-level roles

Many start with:

• Airport Operations Specialist

• Airfield Operations Agent

• Operations Coordinator

• Airport Duty Officer (ADO) trainee roles

• Ramp control or airport administration roles

These provide foundational experience.

5. Progress into higher roles

With experience, you can advance to:

• Airport Duty Manager

• Operations Supervisor

• Wildlife Management Specialist

• Airport Emergency Manager

• Airfield Manager

• Director of Operations

Large airports (Class B and C) offer even more progression, including access to specialized departments.

Airport Operations Career Pathways

Airport Operations isn’t one role—it’s a group of specialized roles that keep the airport ecosystem functioning. Here are the most common tracks:

Airfield Operations Specialist

This is the core of Airport Ops and the role most people start in.

Responsibilities include:

• Performing runway/taxiway inspections

• Checking for FOD, wildlife, lighting outages, and pavement hazards

• Issuing NOTAMs

• Responding to aircraft incidents or disabled aircraft

• Escorting construction personnel and overseeing airfield projects

• Monitoring weather deterioration and runway conditions

• Coordinating with ATC and ARFF during emergencies

Ops Specialists are out on the airfield constantly, ensuring the airport is safe to operate.

Airport Duty Manager (ADM)

Duty Managers oversee entire airport shifts and act as the decision-makers during irregular operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading emergency responses

• Making operational calls (closing runways, modifying traffic flow)

• Coordinating across airlines, TSA, ATC, maintenance, and police

• Managing daily operations in large hubs

• Overseeing Ops Specialists and ensuring compliance with FAA Part 139

This is usually a mid-level position requiring significant operations experience.

Operations Control Center (OCC) / Ramp Operations

Some airports (and airlines) operate centralized control centers.

Responsibilities include:

• Assigning gates, ramps, parking stands

• Monitoring airport and airline traffic flow

• Managing baggage coordination and ramp congestion

• Communicating with dispatch, ATC, and ops teams

This role blends dispatch-style coordination with ground operations.

Wildlife & Environmental Management

Many airports hire specialists who focus solely on wildlife hazards, environmental compliance, and sustainability initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Wildlife monitoring and control

• Environmental compliance checks

• Habitat management

• Reporting and recording wildlife strikes

This is a niche but essential part of Part 139 compliance.

Top Schools for Airport Operations and How to Get Involved

Several universities specialize in aviation management and airport operations with strong pipelines into airport careers.

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL & Prescott, AZ)

ERAU’s Aviation Business Administration, Aeronautical Science, and Airport Operations courses provide direct knowledge of airport systems, emergency response, FAA regulations, and real-world case studies. Many graduates move into Operations, ADM roles, and airport leadership.

• University of North Dakota (UND)

UND offers Airport Management tracks with hands-on lab access and opportunities to intern at regional and major airports.

• Purdue University

Strong aviation and management programs with access to Purdue Airport for practical experience.

• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Offers Aviation Management with coursework in airport planning, airport finance, and operations.

• Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

Located near Denver International Airport (DEN), offering excellent internships and airport access.

Tip: Students should pursue airport internships early—many large airports have summer programs that often lead to job offers.

Trends & Opportunities for Aspiring Airport Operations Specialists

• Major airport expansion projects nationwide are increasing demand for Ops personnel

• Part 139 regulations require highly trained Ops professionals

• Increased focus on safety management systems (SMS)

• Growing need for specialists in wildlife management, environmental compliance, and emergency response

• 24/7 operations create continuous job availability and strong career stability

• More airports adopting high-tech systems (digital NOTAM, AI FOD detection, surface radar)

Final Thoughts

Airport Operations is one of the most dynamic, hands-on, and essential careers in aviation. Ops professionals serve as the backbone of airport safety, running inspections, managing emergencies, and ensuring the entire airfield meets federal standards.

For students who love aviation but want a career on the ground, in the action, and directly tied to the heartbeat of airport activity, Airport Operations is a rewarding and high-impact path.