How long is the MSc in Airport Operations Planning?

The MSc in Airport Operations Planning runs across a 12 to 18-month postgraduate window with flexible pacing so senior applicants can complete the MSc alongside head-of-planning or director-track roles.

How is the MSc in Airport Operations Planning delivered?

You can study the MSc in Airport Operations Planning on campus in central London, fully online, or by distance learning with tutor support and dissertation supervision throughout the programme.

Is the MSc in Airport Operations Planning internationally recognised?

Yes. The MSc in Airport Operations Planning is a UK postgraduate qualification aligned with ACI AOC principles, IATA WASG, UK CAA senior slot governance and CMI executive practice.

What are the entry requirements for the MSc in Airport Operations Planning?

Applicants need a UK 2:2 honours degree or five years senior experience, IELTS 6.5 English where relevant, a 500-word research statement, two references and an interview for the MSc in Airport Operations Planning.

How much does the MSc in Airport Operations Planning cost?

Tuition fees for the MSc in Airport Operations Planning are published on the LSAAM fees page and payment plans, executive scholarships and international bursary options are available from admissions.

MSc in Airport Ops Planning | LSAAM London | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MSc in Airport Operations Planning is a 12 to 18-month LSAAM postgraduate degree delivered on campus, online and by distance learning. The programme develops executive-track airport planning directors, combining research-informed practice across strategic capacity, slot governance and resource strategy with a substantial dissertation on a UK or international airport planning topic.

By graduation you will hold a Master's-level qualification, an original planning research piece and a career file oriented toward director-level appointments at UK airport groups, London slot coordinators and international hub employers.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with ACI Airport Operations Committee (AOC) principles, IATA Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), UK CAA senior slot governance and CILT UK postgraduate frameworks
Written and delivered by former head-of-planning directors, senior slot coordinators and industry academics
Reference to Chartered Management Institute (CMI) executive frameworks
Applied capstone dissertation with UK airport planning industry sponsorship where appropriate
Structured research-training modules for executive aviation practice
Flexible on-campus, online and distance-learning delivery
Assessment mix of executive portfolios, research briefs and a full Master's dissertation

What You Will Learn

Executive airport planning across strategic capacity, slot and resource dimensions
Long-cycle capacity forecasting and demand-modelling at director level
Executive slot governance and airline coordination cycles
Network-wide resource strategy across stands, gates and terminals at portfolio level
Executive winter and summer readiness leadership
Airfield engineering portfolio governance and interfaces with planning
Airport planning research design at postgraduate level
Boardroom communication and regulator engagement at executive level

Who This Course Is For

Senior airport planners moving into head-of-planning or director-track roles
Airline network planning directors moving airport-side
Senior consultants specialising in airport capacity engagements
Career changers with substantial senior planning leadership moving into aviation
International applicants targeting UK airport head-of-planning executive roles

Career Pathways

Head of Airport Operations Planning
Airport Capacity and Slots Director
Airport Seasonal Planning Director
Airport Resource Strategy Director
Airport Winter Operations Director
Executive Director, Airport Planning
Non-Executive Airport Board Adviser

The LSAAM careers service supports every Master's student with executive CV coaching, LinkedIn optimisation, board-level interview preparation and structured introductions to UK airport planning executive recruiters, London slot coordinators and international hub employers.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 (Lower Second Class) honours degree or overseas equivalent in any discipline
Applicants without a first degree may be considered with 5+ years of senior airline or airport experience
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band under 6.0) or equivalent English proficiency
A 500-word research statement covering the applicant's chosen airport planning specialisation
Two academic or professional references and a short interview

Why Study at LSAAM

LSAAM is a specialist division of Harold International College of London focused on the operational, commercial and strategic disciplines running modern airlines and airports. Every LSAAM programme is aligned with recognised UK and international aviation bodies including IATA, Airports Council International, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, giving graduates credible, industry-referenced study behind them.

Tutors on the MSc in Airport Operations Planning come from head-of-planning director backgrounds and delivery is available on campus, online and by distance learning to fit senior UK and international students.

Apply for MSc in Airport Operations Planning

The MSc in Airport Operations Planning is your executive-track postgraduate route into senior airport planning leadership. Applications are open now for on-campus, online and distance-learning intakes with rolling admissions. Advance into executive aviation leadership with LSAAM and confirm your place on the next Master's cohort. Enrol Now