Consultant - Aviation Planning

WSP USA; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Airport Planning Consultant to contribute to concept-level planning and design-focused project support across major aviation projects in the Middle East.

You will support development of future airport designs by delivering high‑quality planning solutions that improve efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability. 3–5 years of experience and strong Excel/AutoCAD/GIS skills are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aviation Planning or related discipline with 3–5 years of airport planning experience.
• Experience in capacity assessment, forecasting, and masterplanning.
• Strong Excel and familiarity with AutoCAD/GIS for planning outputs.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of project workstreams with focus on Concept of Operations for DWC Phase2.
• Analyze airport operations with traffic profiles, flight schedules, and KPIs.
• Contribute to capacity and LoS assessments for terminals and facilities.
• Develop multi-scenario demand forecasts for passengers, aircraft, and cargo.
• Build and run simulation models (CAST, AirTOP, AviPlan) and translate outputs into insights.
• Document data inputs, modelling assumptions and analysis workflows.
• Support airport masterplanning and long‑term strategic studies.

Skills

Excel

Analytical modelling

Scenario development

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Presentation to clients

Education

Aviation Planning

Transport/Civil/Industrial Engineering

Architecture

Aviation Management

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

AviPLAN

CAST

BIM

Revit

Job description

We are seeking Airport Planning Consultant to contribute to concept-level airport planning, functional spatial design and design-focused project support across major aviation projects. The successful candidate will support the development of future airport designs by contributing to the delivery of high-quality planning and operational solutions that improve efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability The Consultant will work as a valued member of the Middle East Aviation team, assisting in project delivery activities and contributing to the preparation of innovative and efficient planning and design outputs.

• Support the delivery of various project workstreams, with an initial focus on contributing to the development of the Concept of Operations for DWC Phase2.

• Assist in conducting analytical assessments of airport operations, including traffic profiles, flight schedules, dwell times and operational KPIs.

• Contribute to the preparation and interpretation of capacity and Level of Service (LoS) assessments for terminal, airside, apron, landside and support facilities.

• Support the development of multi‑scenario demand forecasts for passengers, aircraft, cargo and general aviation operations.

• Assist in building and running simulation models (CAST, AirTOP, AviPlan or equivalent) to assess flow performance, system efficiency and operational resilience.

• Translate modelling outputs into clear insights and planning inputs under the guidance of senior team members.

• Ensure data inputs, modelling assumptions and analysis workflows are documented, validated and traceable.

• Contribute analytical inputs to airport masterplanning activities and long‑term strategic studies.

• Support the definition of functional and spatial requirements for terminals, airside, landside and support facilities in line with demand, ConOps principles and regulatory standards.

• Assist in evaluating planning options, phasing strategies, expansion triggers and performance trade‑offs.Design-Focused Project Support & Tender Preparation

• Support proposal preparation by contributing planning methodologies, scopes, level-of-effort estimates, case studies and modelling insights that strengthen aviation bids.

• Contribute to enhancing WSP’s internal planning practice by refining templates, improving analytical workflows and sharing practical lessons learned from projects.

• A degree in Aviation Planning, Transport/Civil/Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Aviation Management or a related discipline.

• 3–5 years of experience in airport planning, capacity assessment, forecasting, simulation modelling or airport masterplanning.

• Proficiency in analytical modelling, scenario development and data interpretation, supported by strong Excel skills and familiarity with AutoCAD/GIS.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings to clients, multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.

1. Experience working with airport operators, airlines, regulators and cross-disciplinary design teams, demonstrating balanced professional judgment.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Working knowledge of ICAO, FAA, IATA and aviation regulatory requirements.

• Experience with terminal planning concepts, passenger flow optimization, and airport simulation modelling.

• Good understanding of digital tools including: AutoCAD, BIM, Revit, GIS, AviPLAN, CAST, and other airport design tools.

• Hands-on experience with airport simulation and analytical tools (e.g., CAST, AirTOP, AviPlan) and the ability to convert model outputs into clear planning insights.

• Ability to assist in conducting and interpreting capacity and Level of Service (LoS) assessments across terminal, airside, apron, landside and support facilities. Regional & Sector Expertise

• Familiarity with the Middle East aviation sector and regional regulatory requirementsImagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?With us, you can.