Airside Operations Controller

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Are you diligent, safety-conscious, and ready to play a vital role in one of the UK’s most awarded airports?

If you’re looking for a hands‑on role where no two days are the same — and where your work helps keep aircraft, passengers, and staff safe — this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

About Your Airport

Newcastle is a multi‑award‑winning airport that proudly connects the North East region to the world. In 2025, the airport was recognised as ‘Best Airport in Europe’, in the 2 to 5 million passenger category, at the ASQ Awards for providing exceptional customer service.

Committed to a sustainable future, the airport is on track to achieve Net Zero Carbon status by the year 2035 and has been recognised as a "sustainability sector leader". The business has its own solar farm that can provide 100% of its electricity on a sunny day and it is making significant investments to transition its vehicle fleet to electric models.

Over recent years more than 46,000 trees have been planted on airport‑owned land to support its carbon offset activities and enhance biodiversity.

About the role

We’re looking for a proactive, safety‑focused individual to become an Airside Operations Controller. In this hands‑on role, you’ll help make sure every airside activity — from aircraft movements to runway checks — is carried out safely, smoothly, and in line with all regulations.

It’s a fast‑paced, varied job where no two shifts are ever the same. You’ll be part of the team that keeps the airfield moving and makes a real impact on the passenger experience.

What will you be doing?

• Conduct inspections of all airside areas including runways, taxiways and apron areas.
• Deal with and react to adverse weather (snow, ice, winds, low visibility) and support the airfield sweeping programme.
• Respond quickly and calmly to incidents, fuel spills, or wildlife hazards and support airside incident investigations and reporting.
• Support aircraft parking with marshalling and aircraft turnaround monitoring.
• Monitor all airside activity ensuring compliance with airport safety standards and regulations and liaise with air traffic control, emergency services, and ground teams.
• Monitor contractors and maintenance crews working in airside and ensure departmental reports, documents and data are up to date.

Key Skills & Experience

• A calm, safety‑conscious problem solver who enjoys variety.
• Strong communicator who can work well with multiple teams under pressure.
• Comfortable working outdoors and on your feet in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
• A valid UK driving licence.
• Must pass background checks in line with Department for Transport regulations.
• As this role requires access to critical parts of the airport, you must demonstrate that you have no relevant criminal record.

Why come onboard?

Newcastle International Airport is a unique work environment where your actions really matter! The environment fosters a real passion for aviation operations and being best in class.

Benefits

• Reduced parking charges – Park & Fly.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Car servicing and repairs.
• Free on‑site car parking whilst at work.
• Access to World Duty Free.
• On‑site occupational health support.
• On‑site physiotherapist.
• Employee assistance programme support.
• Employee discounts at airport retail/ catering outlets.
• Membership to our on‑site gym.

This post requires access through the critical part at the airport and therefore in line with Department for Transport regulations; you will be required to demonstrate during the recruitment process that you have no relevant criminal record.

Newcastle International Airport Limited promotes the equality of opportunity.

Being part of the Disability Confident Commitment means we want to ensure all our organisational policies and processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone. This includes our recruitment strategies, and we welcome applications from all prospective candidates.