Job Overview: Consultant — Airport Planning & Analytics

This is a high-level “Aviation Intelligence” role at WSP in the Middle East , one of the world’s leading professional services firms. As a Consultant (Analyst) , you will act as a “Spatial Architect,” responsible for the “Operational DNA” of major aviation hubs, including the high-profile DWC Phase 2 (Al Maktoum International) expansion. This position is designed for a “Data-Driven Specialist” who can navigate the complexities of passenger flow simulation, capacity modeling, and master planning with “Technical Accuracy.” You will be a vital engine in the Middle East Aviation team, transforming complex traffic profiles into sustainable, efficient airport designs that scale with the region’s visionary growth.

Key Information

Employer: WSP in the Middle East
Location: United Arab Emirates (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
Sector: Aviation Consultancy & Infrastructure
Experience: 3–5 Years in Airport Planning or Master Planning
Education: Degree in Aviation Planning, Engineering (Civil/Industrial), or Architecture
Software: CAST, AirTOP, AviPlan, AutoCAD, GIS, and advanced Excel

Key Responsibilities

You will manage the “Planning Lifecycle” for terminal, airside, and landside facilities:

Operational Orchestration: Contributing to the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for major projects, focusing on system efficiency and passenger experience.
Analytical Governance: Conducting rigorous assessments of flight schedules, dwell times, and operational KPIs to define Level of Service (LoS) .
Simulation Leadership: Building and running complex simulation models (CAST/AirTOP) to assess flow performance and operational resilience.
Demand Forecasting: Developing multi-scenario forecasts for passengers, aircraft, cargo, and general aviation operations.
Spatial Design Support: Translating modeling outputs into functional requirements for terminals and aprons in line with ICAO/IATA standards.
Strategic Master Planning: Assisting in the evaluation of expansion triggers, phasing strategies, and performance trade-offs.
Tender Intelligence: Supporting proposal preparation with planning methodologies, level-of-effort estimates, and technical case studies.

Candidate Requirements and Skills

WSP seeks a “Collaborative Analyst” with a passion for data-driven aviation solutions:

Technical Mastery: Hands-on experience with AviPlan, CAST, or AirTOP , and proficiency in AutoCAD/GIS for spatial interpretation.
Regulatory Intelligence: Working knowledge of ICAO, FAA, and IATA requirements and regional Middle East aviation regulations.
Professional Pedigree: 3–5 years of experience working with airport operators, airlines, or multidisciplinary design teams.
Communication Polish: The ability to present technical findings clearly to clients and senior stakeholders.
Analytical Grit: A strong ability to validate data inputs and document traceable modeling assumptions.
Collaborative Approach: A genuine passion for airport performance and the ability to work within a 69,000-strong global network.

Salary and Benefits

This role offers a premier “Total Rewards” package within a global consultancy framework:

Financial Integrity: Competitive tax-free monthly salary (Typically AED 18,000 – AED 28,000 depending on the complexity of project experience).
Global Community: Access to a close-knit network of talented individuals across 80+ countries.
Professional Evolution: Opportunities to work on world-first aviation projects like the DWC expansion.
Health & Life: Comprehensive medical insurance and wellness support.
Statutory Perks: Annual leave, flight tickets, and end-of-service benefits as per UAE Labor Law.

Market Context: Aviation Consultancy Salaries 2026

In 2026, as the Middle East cements its status as the world’s primary transit hub, planning experts are the architects of the region’s capacity:

Role Category	Monthly Salary (AED)	Context
Junior Aviation Planner	12,000 – 16,000	Support / Data Entry
Consultant (Planning & Analytics)	18,000 – 28,000	Specialized / Simulation Expert
Associate Director (Aviation)	45,000 – 65,000+	Strategic Lead / Bid Owner

Unique Job Description

Position: Consultant (Airport Planning & Analytics) — Engineering the Future of DWC

Are you a “Data Specialist” who thrives on the challenge of designing the world’s largest airports? WSP in the Middle East is seeking a Consultant – Airport Planning & Analytics to join our elite aviation team in the UAE . We don’t just “draw terminals”; we engineer the Operational Frameworks and Spatial DNA that allow global aviation hubs to Flourish . This isn’t a role for a “generalist”; it’s a mission for a “Simulation Architect” —someone who can navigate the complexities of multiscenario forecasting and passenger flow with “technical grit” and provide the analytical polish that major projects like DWC Phase 2 demand.

In this position, you are the pilot of our data-driven designs. You will spend your days (in our vibrant UAE offices ) architecting the capacity assessments and simulation models that define the next generation of air travel. Whether you are using your CAST and AviPlan skills to optimize terminal flow or utilizing your communication mastery to present technical insights to airport operators, your “proactive mindset” and “attention to detail” will be our greatest assets. You thrive in an environment where you are trusted to shape critical national infrastructure, challenged by complex operational KPIs, and rewarded with a stable career at a global market leader.

We are looking for proactive professionals with a passion for aviation performance and an “excellence-first” mindset. If you have the “resourcefulness” to convert model outputs into clear planning insights and the “discipline” to uphold international regulatory standards, WSP offers you a premier platform to reach your potential. Join us in the Middle East, and let’s engineer a more extraordinary and connected future for the world of travel together.

WSP in the Middle East, United Arab Emirates

The Company

WSP in the Middle East is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, providing engineering, advisory, and environmental consultancy. By 2026, the Middle East team has grown to over 3,000 Visioneers , with approximately 1,700 based in the UAE. WSP is the technical force behind some of the region’s most complex “Mega-Projects,” specializing in tall buildings, resilient transportation, and sustainable energy. Following its 2025-2027 Global Strategic Plan , the firm has shifted towards becoming an “AI-First” consultancy, integrating digital twins and carbon-zero frameworks into every project lifecycle. The firm is currently led by Dean McGrail (President, Middle East & Asia) , who has steered WSP to be recognized as the #1 engineering company for tall buildings globally.

Culture

The culture at WSP is defined by its identity as “Visioneers” —people who see potential where others see complexity. The organization operates under a “One WSP” philosophy, which emphasizes Inclusion, Belonging, and Future Ready® thinking. It is a high-intellect, collaborative environment that values ethical integrity and psychological safety . By 2026, the culture has evolved to focus heavily on “Digital Literacy,” with over $200 million invested globally in R&D and digital tools. WSP is a regional champion for Gender Balance and Diversity , actively breaking barriers for the next generation of engineers through its “Shifting Sands” initiative and accelerated graduate programs.

Location

WSP maintains a strategic footprint across the UAE to remain close to its key government and private sector clients:

Dubai (Headquarters): Located in the U-Bora Tower, Business Bay (27th Floor). This serves as the primary operational hub for the region.
Abu Dhabi: Situated in the LandMark Tower on the Corniche (Units 1203 & 1204), positioning the team at the heart of the capital’s administrative district.
Sharjah: Located in the SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) , supporting northern emirate infrastructure and industrial projects.
Site Offices: WSP maintains numerous temporary project offices at major development sites, including the Jebel Ali Racecourse redevelopment and various Yas Island assets.

WSP Middle East: 2026 Iconic Project Portfolio

Project Name	WSP’s Role / Scope	Strategic Impact
Jebel Ali Racecourse	Detailed Master Plan (DMP) Lead.	Reimagining 5M sqm of urban space with a “Green Spine.”
One Za’abeel	Fire Engineering & Structural Lead.	Setting global standards for fire safety in cantilevered towers.
Atlantis The Royal	Structural & MEP Engineering.	Redefining luxury “Iconic Experiences” on reclaimed land.
Innovation Hub	Infrastructure & Master Plan Design.	Creating a 1.8M sq ft community for tech and media pioneers.
Yas Bay Waterfront	Design Lead Consultant (21 Services).	Managing architecture and engineering for an 18k seat arena.

2026 Career DNA & “Visioneer” Standards

Future Ready® Thinking: A mandatory framework where every design must account for climate change, society, technology, and resources of the future.
Digital Engineering: High demand for BIM Managers, Digital Twin Specialists, and GIS Analysts as the firm automates 30% of its standard design workflows.
Sustainability Focus: A mandate to limit global warming to 1.5°C in all project designs, requiring expertise in Net-Zero carbon materials and LEED/WELL certifications.
Advisory Growth: Expansion into Strategic Advisory , hiring economists and management consultants to support the UAE’s “Economic Vision 2030” and “Operation 300bn.”

To apply for this job please visit www.wsp.com.