Director - Airport Regulatory Affairs

Job Purpose:

The Director – Airport Regulatory Affairs is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of regulatory strategies and compliance frameworks that align with national and international aviation standards. This role acts as the primary interface with civil aviation authorities, government bodies, and international regulatory agencies , ensuring the airport operates in full compliance while shaping and influencing policy that supports long-term strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Regulatory Strategy & Compliance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive regulatory affairs strategy aligned with the airport’s long-term vision and growth plans.
• Monitor and interpret existing and emerging aviation laws, regulations, and policies (ICAO, IATA, national civil aviation regulations).
• Ensure ongoing compliance with airside, landside, environmental, safety, and security regulations applicable to airport operations and infrastructure.

🔹 Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Serve as the lead liaison with regulatory bodies, including the Civil Aviation Authority , Ministry of Transport , environmental agencies, customs, and border control.
• Represent the airport in regulatory hearings, consultations, and industry working groups , both domestically and internationally.
• Build strategic alliances and influence regulatory policy to support airport development and innovation.

🔹 Policy Development & Advocacy

• Work with the Strategy division to evaluate regulatory risks and opportunities that may impact current or future airport projects.
• Draft formal policy positions, white papers, and briefing notes to support regulatory engagement or lobby for favorable regulatory changes.
• Lead internal alignment on regulatory requirements during project planning , including master planning, airspace design, and sustainability initiatives.

🔹 Licensing, Permits & Approvals

• Oversee the licensing and certification process for the airport and key facilities in collaboration with operational units.
• Ensure all necessary permits, certifications, and regulatory submissions are obtained and renewed in a timely manner.

🔹 Governance & Reporting

• Establish internal governance frameworks and reporting structures to monitor compliance with aviation and regulatory policies.
• Provide regular updates and risk assessments to the executive leadership team on regulatory developments.
• Prepare board-level reports and strategy input related to regulatory affairs.

🔹 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with legal, operations, environment, safety, security, and planning teams to integrate regulatory requirements into all aspects of airport development and operations.
• Ensure alignment with ESG , sustainability, and resilience frameworks from a regulatory standpoint.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Aviation Management, Engineering , or related field
• Master’s degree (e.g., LLM, MPA, MBA, or MSc in Aviation ) is strongly preferred
• Minimum 8 years of experience in aviation regulatory affairs, public policy, legal compliance , or related fields
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership or advisory capacity
• Proven experience engaging with civil aviation regulators, international agencies (ICAO, IATA) , and government institutions
• Prior involvement in airport development, certification, or expansion programs is a strong advantage