Company Overview:
Dar, the founding member of the Sidara group, is an international multidisciplinary consulting organization specializing in engineering, architecture, planning, environment, project management, facilities management, and economics. Sidara operates in 60 countries with 20,500 professionals, Dar connects people, places, and communities through innovative solutions to the world's most complex challenges. We deliver projects from inception through completion, embracing challenges to empower communities worldwide. Learn more at www.dar.com.
Role Summary
The Senior Airport Planner leads complex airport planning and development programs across master planning, terminal planning, airside/landside capacity analysis, infrastructure phasing, and strategic aviation development. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to direct multidisciplinary teams on major airport expansion and modernization projects.
The position is typically responsible for delivering long-term airport planning solutions aligned with operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, commercial growth, sustainability objectives, and passenger experience enhancement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Airport Planning
- Lead airport master planning projects for international, regional, and greenfield airports.
- Develop long-range aviation infrastructure strategies aligned with forecast demand and operational requirements.
- Conduct airport capacity assessments for runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, gates, and landside systems.
- Define development scenarios and recommend optimal infrastructure expansion strategies.
- Prepare phased development plans considering operational continuity and future scalability.
Terminal Planning
Lead terminal planning studies including:
- Passenger flow analysis
- Functional space programming
- Processing capacity analysis
- Baggage handling integration
- Security and immigration processing
- Commercial allocation planning
- Establish terminal design criteria and planning standards.
- Review terminal concepts and validate operational functionality.
Airside & Landside Planning
Lead planning for:
- Runways and taxiways
- Aircraft parking stands
- Aprons and support facilities
- Ground transportation systems
- Access roads and curbside operations
- Car parking facilities
- Cargo and maintenance areas
- Coordinate with air traffic, operations, and engineering teams to optimize airport efficiency.
Forecasting & Analytical Studies
Prepare and review:
- Passenger forecasts
- Aircraft movement forecasts
- Cargo forecasts
- Peak hour analyses
- Demand/capacity modelling
- Utilize simulation and analytical tools to assess operational performance and infrastructure needs.
Project Leadership
- Manage large-scale airport planning assignments from inception through delivery.
- Lead multidisciplinary consultant teams and coordinate with architects, engineers, economists, and environmental specialists.
- Provide technical oversight, quality assurance, and mentorship to junior planners.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and client deliverables.
Regulatory & Industry Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
- ICAO standards and recommended practices
- IATA planning guidelines
- FAA/EASA/GCAA or local aviation authority regulations
- Airport operational and safety requirements
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and sustainable aviation initiatives.
Sustainability & Innovation
- Integrate sustainability principles into airport planning strategies.
- Support initiatives related to:
- Net-zero airport development
- Sustainable aviation infrastructure
- Smart airport technologies
- Digital transformation
- Passenger experience innovation
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in:
- Aviation Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Urban Planning
- Architecture
- Transportation Planning
- or related discipline
- Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience on major international airport projects and progressive airport planning.
- Strong background in airport master planning and terminal planning.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary aviation projects.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Client relationship management
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Commercial awareness
- High-level communication and negotiation skills
Typical Deliverables
- Airport Master Plans
- Terminal Planning Reports
- Capacity Assessment Studies
- Airside Planning Drawings
- Phasing & Development Plans
- Forecasting Reports
- Operational Simulation Analyses
Design Briefs and Planning Criteria Manuals
Why Join Us
• Work on high-impact, visionary projects shaping future environments.
• Be part of a design-led, innovation-driven studio culture.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and opportunities for continuous professional development.
How to Apply
We kindly request you to attach your updated CV to complete your application.
Selected candidates will be invited to send in their portfolio and then to interview.
Competitive Salary along with impressive benefits package!
* While we carefully review all applications, only candidates meeting the specified requirements will be contacted for further consideration. We appreciate your understanding and thank all applicants for their interest.
Global Data Privacy Notice for Job Candidates
* While we carefully review all applications, only candidates meeting the specified requirements will be contacted for further consideration. We appreciate your understanding and thank all applicants for their interest.