17 Airport Duty Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Duty managers at airports are responsible for the safety and security of passengers, staff, and aircraft. They also manage the flow of passengers through the airport and work with airlines and other agencies to ensure that flights depart and arrive on time.

If you’re looking for a job as a duty manager at an airport, you’ll need to be prepared to answer questions about your experience and knowledge of airport operations. You’ll also need to be able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to stay calm under pressure.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions duty managers are asked and provided sample answers.

Are you comfortable working with a team of people to manage airport operations?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you interact with others. A strong answer includes examples of how you collaborate with a team to solve problems, delegate tasks or make decisions.

Example: “I have worked in the airport security field for five years now, and I’ve learned that it’s important to work as a team to ensure we’re all on the same page when it comes to safety protocols and procedures. For example, during my last shift at the airport, one of my colleagues was running late for his shift. I asked him if he needed help getting ready for his shift, but he said he would be fine. So, I talked to another colleague who was also running late and asked her if she could cover for our colleague until he arrived. She agreed, and everything went smoothly.”

What are some of the most important skills for an airport duty manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and experience to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills that relate to the job description.

Example: “I believe communication is one of the most important skills for an airport duty manager to have. This position requires me to communicate with many different people, including employees, customers and other stakeholders. I also think problem-solving skills are essential because they allow me to find solutions to any challenges or issues that may arise. Another skill that’s important is time management, as I need to manage my time effectively so I can complete all of my tasks on time.”

How would you handle a situation where a member of your team was not following safety protocols?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and how you would handle a situation that could potentially put the safety of others at risk. In your answer, try to show that you value safety protocols and are willing to hold your team members accountable for following them.

Example: “If I noticed one of my team members not following airport security procedures, I would first speak with them privately about it. If they continued to disregard protocol after our conversation, I would document their actions in order to address the issue later. Ultimately, I would want to ensure that all employees were aware of the importance of following security protocols so we can keep everyone safe.”

What is your experience managing large budgets?

The airport duty manager is responsible for managing the budget of their department. This question helps employers understand your experience with budgets and financial management. Use examples from previous work to explain how you managed a large budget.

Example: “In my current position, I manage a $1 million annual budget. My team and I use our budget to purchase supplies, hire new employees and pay staff members. We also use the budget to plan events and promotions at the airport. In my last role, I was in charge of a $500,000 budget. I used this budget to hire more security guards and buy additional equipment for the parking garage.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision that was in the best interest of the airport.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and whether or not you have experience making important choices. Use examples from your previous work history to explain how you made a choice that benefited everyone involved.

Example: “In my current role as an airport duty manager, I had to decide between hiring two qualified candidates for one position. One candidate was more experienced than the other, but they were both equally qualified for the job. After discussing it with my team, we decided to hire the less experienced candidate because of their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. This decision helped us retain our younger employees while also providing them with opportunities to grow.”

If you could make one change to improve the efficiency of our airport, what would it be?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and how you might approach a problem. It also helps them understand what kind of leader you are, as they may be looking for someone who is able to make decisions that benefit their airport. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about some changes you would make if you were in charge of an entire airport rather than just one location.

Example: “I would add more security checkpoints to reduce wait times. I’ve worked at several airports where there was only one checkpoint, which caused long lines and delays. Adding additional checkpoints helped alleviate these issues and made the process much smoother for passengers.”

What would you do if you noticed a recurring issue that was causing problems for airport staff or passengers?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make improvements. In your answer, describe a time when you noticed an issue that was causing problems for others and how you fixed it.

Example: “At my current airport security job, I noticed that some of the staff were not following proper procedures when checking in passengers at the gate. This led to long lines and delays for both passengers and airline employees. I met with all of the security staff to explain the correct procedure and provided additional training on how to check in passengers more efficiently. After implementing these changes, we saw a significant improvement in efficiency.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you perform in high-pressure situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you had to work under pressure and still managed to complete your tasks successfully.

Example: “I have worked as an airport security guard for five years now, so I’ve experienced my fair share of stressful situations. However, I always try to remain calm and focused during these times. For example, one night while working alone at the airport, there was a bomb threat that caused all flights to be delayed. While I was nervous about what might happen, I remained calm and followed protocol until the situation was resolved.”

Do you have experience working with large software programs to monitor airport operations?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with specific software programs that are used in the airport operations department. Use your answer to share which software you’re familiar with and how it helped you complete your job duties.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of software throughout my career, but I’m most comfortable using Airport Operations Management Software. This program allows me to monitor all aspects of an airport’s operations, including flight schedules, security cameras and employee check-in times. It also helps me communicate important information to employees through digital alerts and updates.”

When is the right time to call a “red alert” and shut down an airport?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your decision-making skills and how you handle emergency situations. Your answer should show that you can make quick decisions while also considering all of the facts before making a final call.

Example: “I have never had to call a red alert, but if I did, it would be when there was an active shooter on airport property or in the terminal. If this happened, I would immediately shut down the airport and evacuate passengers from the terminals. Then, I would contact local law enforcement and TSA to send additional security to help with the situation.”

We want to become a more eco-friendly airport. What is one green initiative that you would implement?

This question is a great way to see how you can contribute to the company’s overall goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one specific action that you would take to help the airport become more environmentally friendly.

Example: “I think one of the best ways we could reduce our carbon footprint at the airport is by encouraging employees to use public transportation or ride-sharing services when they are going to and from work. I would implement an incentive program where employees who used these methods were rewarded with points that could be redeemed for discounts on their next purchase.”

Describe your experience working with airport vendors.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with vendors and suppliers. Airport duty managers often work with vendors, so the hiring manager wants to make sure you have the skills necessary to manage these relationships effectively. In your answer, describe a time when you worked with a vendor or supplier and how you managed that relationship.

Example: “I’ve worked with several airport vendors in my previous role as an airport duty manager. One of the most important things I learned was how to communicate effectively with vendors. For example, I once had a problem with one of our food vendors who wasn’t delivering enough food for our customers. I called the vendor and explained the situation, and they were able to send additional staff to help us out.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant work experience, but also include any personal qualities or hobbies that may be beneficial in this position.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive security background. Throughout my career, I have worked as a bouncer at nightclubs, a private investigator and a police officer. These experiences have taught me valuable skills like conflict resolution and communication. I know how to keep calm under pressure and diffuse situations with tact and respect. I think these skills would be especially helpful when working with large crowds.”

Which airport duty manager from a TV show or movie do you most identify with?

This question is a way for the interviewer to get to know you as a person and see how your personality might fit in with their team. Choose an airport duty manager from TV or film that you can relate to, but also one who has traits that you would like to develop yourself.

Example: “I most identify with Jack Bauer from 24 because I am always on time and have excellent problem-solving skills. However, I think I could be more like Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation because she’s so friendly and outgoing. I’m working on being more social at work.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

Customer service is an important part of working in the airport. The interviewer wants to know how you would ensure your team provides excellent customer service to all passengers and visitors at the airport. Use examples from previous experience where you provided exceptional customer service to a client or customer.

Example: “I think that listening to customers is one of the most important aspects of providing good customer service. I always make sure to listen carefully to what my clients have to say, whether it’s a complaint or praise for our services. This helps me understand their needs better so I can provide them with solutions or additional help as needed. It also shows them that we value their business.”

How often should you check in with staff to make sure they have everything they need?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to understand how much attention you pay to your staff and their needs. Your answer should show that you are attentive to the needs of your team, but also that you respect their autonomy as professionals.

Example: “I believe it is important to check in with my staff regularly to make sure they have everything they need to do their jobs well. I usually try to visit each employee at least once every hour or two to see if they need anything. If someone seems especially busy, I will stay by their side for longer than usual to help them out. I find that regular communication helps me get to know my employees better and makes them feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it.”

There is a snowstorm on the day of a major event. How would you handle the situation?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle an emergency situation at work. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure that everyone’s safety and comfort while still ensuring the event goes as planned.

Example: “I would first make sure all employees were safe and accounted for. Then I would contact the client to let them know about the change in plans. If possible, I would try to reschedule the event for another day. If not, I would find a suitable alternative venue and inform the client of my decision. After making these decisions, I would then focus on keeping everyone comfortable during the wait.”