Job Description
Join Our Team: Airside Operations Controller
Location: Newcastle International Airport
Contract Type: Full-time, shift-based (including nights and weekends)
Department: Airside Operations
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 International Airport: Connecting the North East to the World
Newcastle International Airport has proudly served the North East for over 80 years. As the region’s largest airport, it connects business and leisure passengers to more than 80 direct destinations and over 300 one-stop destinations through 16 airline partners.
We are the 11th busiest airport in the UK and continue to grow, welcoming 4.9 million passengers in 2023. The airport contributes over £1 billion in GVA to the regional economy and supports more than 3,000 jobs across the North East.
Our commitment to quality and customer service has earned international recognition. We were the first UK airport to win both ‘Best in the World’ and ‘Airport of the Year’ (0–5 million passengers) two years in a row. In 2024, we were once again crowned ‘Best in the World’ at the prestigious Routes World conference.
We’ve invested over £20 million in enhancing the passenger experience, and our efforts have been recognised in the CAA’s Airport Accessibility audit, where we were ranked in the top ‘very good’ category for our service to passengers with disabilities.
easyJet has announced plans to open a three-aircraft base at Newcastle Airport in March 2026, creating around 130 direct jobs for pilots, crew and engineers and supporting around 1200 jobs in total.
The base opening will enable easyJet to expand its network from Newcastle with new routes.
As the primary international gateway to North East England, Newcastle International Airport offers easy access to a region rich in historical heritage, blue flag beaches, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant contemporary culture.
Airside Operations Controller
We’re looking for a proactive, safety-focused individual to join our Airside Operations Unit. 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 You'll Be Doing
- Conduct inspections of all airside areas including runways, taxiways and apron areas
- Dealing with and reacting to adverse weather, snow, ice, winds, Low visibility and you will support the Airfield sweeping programme
- Responding quickly and calmly to incidents, fuel spills, or wildlife hazards and you will support Airside incident investigations and reporting
- Supporting aircraft parking with marshalling and Aircraft turnaround monitoring
- Monitor all airside activity ensuring compliance with airport safety standards and regulations and you will 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 is up to date
✅ What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
- 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 holiday
- A valid UK Driving Licence
- Must pass background checks in line with Department for Transport (DfT) regulations
- As this role requires access to Critical Parts of the airport, you must demonstrate that you have no relevant criminal record
🌟 Why Join Newcastle Airport?
You’ll join a dedicated, friendly team that’s passionate about safety and service. You’ll be working in a dynamic, rewarding environment where your work really matters — to passengers, partners, and the entire operation.
Whether you're responding to an incident, guiding aircraft safely to stand, or keeping the airfield inspection-ready, you'll play a key part in one of the UK’s top-performing airports.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Newcastle International Airport:
At Newcastle International Airport, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences that drive innovation and excellence.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that makes them unique.