Airport Duty Officer- UAE Nationals Only – Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is hiring an Airport Duty Officer in Abu Dhabi, open to UAE Nationals only. Etihad Airways is the national airline of the UAE, operating a global network from its hub in Abu Dhabi. Airport operations are where an airline’s promises meet reality, and duty officers help make sure flights depart and arrive smoothly, safely and on time.

In a role like this, you will typically oversee and coordinate airport activities during your shift: monitoring flight departures and arrivals, keeping an eye on check-in, boarding, baggage and transfer operations, and acting quickly when disruption hits. Delays, aircraft changes, misconnecting passengers, irregular operations and weather all require fast, clear decisions and good coordination with ground handlers, airport authorities, operations control and customer service teams.

The posting highlights monitoring and optimising operational efficiency, supporting Etihad’s commitment to world-class aviation standards, and adapting to diverse and evolving working environments. It also points to hands-on experience, mentoring and exposure to best practices across Etihad’s operations, suggesting the role offers real development alongside responsibility. Following safety, security and regulatory procedures is a constant part of the job.

This role suits a UAE National with airport or airline operations experience, or strong potential, who stays calm under pressure, communicates clearly with many different teams and is comfortable making decisions in real time. Shift work across days, nights, weekends and holidays is part of airport life.

On-time performance, smooth passenger flows and well-managed disruption are central to an airline's reputation and finances. Delays create knock-on costs throughout the network: missed connections, crew duty issues, passenger compensation and rebooking. Airport Duty Officers who coordinate effectively during each shift help keep departures on time and minimise the impact when things go wrong. Their ability to make quick decisions during irregular operations, such as reallocating gates, prioritising transfers or managing aircraft changes, can protect hundreds of passengers' journeys at once. Strong airport operations also shape the customer experience. Passengers remember how disruption was handled as much as whether it occurred, and calm, well-organised responses protect Etihad's brand. Duty officers also play a critical role in ensuring compliance with safety and security procedures, protecting passengers, staff and the airline. As Etihad continues to grow its network from Abu Dhabi, efficient hub operations are vital to its competitiveness, and duty officers sit at the heart of that effort.

Airport operations is one of the most dynamic and rewarding career paths in aviation. As an Airport Duty Officer at Etihad Airways, you will gain a deep understanding of how an airline hub works, from passenger processes to aircraft turnaround and coordination with airport partners. That operational knowledge is valuable across aviation and opens doors to roles in operations control, station management, ground services, customer experience and network operations. The posting highlights mentoring and exposure to best practices across Etihad's operations, which means you will learn from experienced professionals and develop your skills in a structured way. Because the role is open to UAE Nationals, it also aligns with the airline's commitment to developing national talent in aviation, giving you a strong platform for long-term growth. The leadership, decision-making and communication skills you build during operational shifts are highly transferable, preparing you for supervisory and management positions. Working for the UAE's national airline also connects you to a global network and an industry with clear long-term growth in the region. For a UAE National who enjoys fast-paced work, problem-solving and teamwork, this role offers a meaningful start or next step in aviation operations, with responsibilities that grow as your experience does.

• UAE National (this role is open to UAE Nationals only)
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in aviation management, business, logistics or a related field
• Experience in airport operations, ground handling, airline customer service or operations control is an advantage
• Understanding of airport processes including check-in, boarding, baggage and turnaround
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions during operational disruption
• Strong coordination and communication skills in English and Arabic
• Knowledge of aviation safety and security procedures
• Comfort working rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays