Head of Airport Planning Abu Dhabi Airports Company

Responsibilities

Planning & Technical Delivery

• Lead preparation and updates of airport master plans, terminal and airfield layout plans, and land-use plans across all AD Airports.
• Manage delivery of short- and long-term planning projects in line with approved strategies, schedules, and budgets.
• Conduct capacity-demand analyses and recommend operational or infrastructure solutions.
• Oversee air traffic forecasts, peak-hour analyses, and fast-time simulations.
• Supervise technical studies, feasibility reports, and scope documents for capital development projects.
• Ensure development and maintenance of GIS and AutoCAD-based airport layout and land-use plans.

Project Definition & Support

• Translate strategic objectives and master plan recommendations into actionable project definitions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and consultants on concept layouts and development options.
• Review design briefs, concept designs, and infrastructure studies for alignment with planning strategies.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, and Commercial teams to align planning with business needs.
• Engage with government authorities (GCAA, DMT) to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Liaise with airlines, partners (including Etihad Airways), and external stakeholders to integrate requirements.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure master plans meet GCAA and DMT regulatory requirements.
• Safeguard airspace and land use through zoning, obstacle limitation surfaces, and safety coordination.
• Maintain up-to-date planning documentation, approvals, and permits.

Budget & Resource Management

• Prepare and manage departmental budgets in coordination with Finance.
• Support financial evaluations and cost-benefit analyses for infrastructure projects.
• Oversee tender evaluations and manage planning consultant contracts.

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the airport planning team.
• Identify training needs and support development of Emirati talent.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.