Airline Network Development Director (Relocation to Syria)

About the role

The Airline Network Development Director will build and lead the airline network and route development function from scratch, driving sustainable route growth and aligning airport commercial objectives with airline network strategies. This senior position requires fluency in both airline and airport decision‑making environments and will be based in Syria.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the airport’s airline network and route development strategy to achieve long‑term traffic and revenue growth.
• Lead market analysis, demand forecasting, catchment studies, traffic stimulation modelling, and route profitability assessments.
• Identify priority airlines, markets, and routes across the Middle East and Europe and build a pipeline of new services.
• Design and manage incentive programmes, commercial frameworks, and route support mechanisms to attract and retain airlines.
• Act as the primary commercial interface with airline network planning, commercial, and strategy teams.
• Lead negotiations with full‑service, low‑cost, charter, and cargo airlines and present business cases to airline executives.
• Represent the airport at industry forums, route development conferences, and bilateral meetings.
• Build the network development function, establishing processes, tools, governance, KPIs, and best‑practice methodologies.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with commercial, operations, finance, marketing, and government stakeholders.
• Provide strategic insight and regular reporting to executive leadership and board‑level stakeholders.

Required profile

• 12–15 years of senior aviation experience with exposure to airline network planning, route economics, and airport air‑service development.
• Proven ability to work credibly with airline network planning teams and airport leadership.
• Native or fluent Arabic and English.
• Strong knowledge of Middle East and/or European aviation markets.
• Experience building and scaling a commercial function from the ground up.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence airline C‑suite, regulators, and government authorities.

Required skills