Air Traffic Controller

Role summary

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is seeking an Air Traffic Controller based in Abu Dhabi to safely manage air traffic within the UAE Flight Information Region (FIR). The position involves maintaining orderly traffic flow, responding to complex situations, and supporting the wider air navigation services function.

Compensation

The listed salary for this role is 57,000 AED.

Core duties

• Direct and monitor air traffic across the UAE FIR with safety as the top priority.
• Regulate traffic movement to reduce congestion within the FIR and in adjacent airspace when needed.
• Work effectively under pressure, including during emergencies and other unusual events.
• Give clear instructions to pilots to ensure safe and efficient traffic management.
• Liaise with outside agencies promptly whenever coordination is required.

Incident reporting

• Escalate any failures, conditions, or procedures that could compromise safety or regular operations.
• Submit reports on incidents and unusual events to the ATC Watch Supervisor.

Operational development

• Take part in simulation activities and contribute on an ad hoc basis to procedure development and airspace restructuring.
• Support testing and commissioning activities for new or upgraded ATC systems when required.
• Carry out other air navigation services duties aligned with the position.

Maintaining competence

• Complete periodic theoretical and practical competency assessments as scheduled by the GCAA.
• Keep up-to-date knowledge of the relevant ICAO publications, including Annex 2, Annex 11, Doc 4444, Doc 7030, the UAE AIP, and the Local ATS Instructions for the Emirates ACC.
• Maintain strong operational knowledge of the equipment and systems used to deliver air traffic services in the UAE FIR.
• Gather relevant pre-shift briefing information about internal and external factors that may affect traffic in the UAE FIR.

Training and staff development

• Provide on-the-job training to trainee ATCOs and ATC Cadets when appropriately qualified.
• Prepare progress reports for trainee ATCOs and discuss outcomes with the trainees and management.

Reporting and compliance

• Prepare functional reports accurately, on time, and in line with GCAA quality requirements.
• Follow health, safety, quality, and environmental procedures to support employee safety, legal compliance, service quality, and responsible environmental practices under IMS standards.

Additional accountability

• Complete any other duties related to the role or area of expertise as assigned by management to help meet organizational objectives.

Job context

The role involves handling demanding traffic situations and heavy workloads while staying familiar with airspace structure, procedures, rules, and regulations to control traffic safely and effectively within the Emirates ACC area of responsibility. The job also requires compliance with all instructions and coordination with the relevant agencies to ensure safe operations.

The position is subject to strict annual standards checks and competency examinations to preserve GCAA professional standards.

Reporting line and authority

The post reports administratively to the Senior Specialist – Air Traffic Operations. Decision-making authority is limited to normal operational duties; all other matters must be referred to the SATCS.

Required qualifications and experience

• A valid Area and/or Approach Radar Control License issued by an ICAO member state or a recognized organization, accepted by the GCAA in line with Civil Aviation Regulations.
• A current ATC medical certificate.
• ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher.