Air Traffic Controller - Dubai (DXB & DWC)

Role Overview

DFS Aviation Services Middle East, part of the DFS Group, is hiring experienced Tower/Aerodrome or Approach Air Traffic Controllers for its operations in Dubai, UAE. This role supports air navigation services at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), within Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS).

The position is suited to professionals who can manage high-pressure situations, communicate clearly and concisely, and work closely with others to maintain safe, orderly, and efficient air traffic operations. Selected candidates will receive on-the-job training and opportunities for professional growth.

About the Employer

DFS Aviation Services provides air navigation services, software solutions, consulting, and training to airports and air navigation service providers worldwide. The organization combines long-standing expertise with modern thinking, maintains high quality standards, and operates with a lean, internationally connected structure.

At DANS, the mission is to empower teams and deliver world-class air navigation services that go beyond expectations and support innovation across global aviation.

Key Duties

In this role, you will be responsible for controlling air traffic in your assigned area and supporting safe, smooth, and timely aircraft movement.

• Oversee traffic flow and provide slot allocation details to help prevent congestion inside or around DANS areas of responsibility.
• Coordinate promptly and accurately with relevant external parties such as adjacent ATC units, UAE military, and airside operations teams.
• Follow all requirements related to reporting safety occurrences, ensuring reports are clear, complete, and accurate.
• Support a safety culture where team members feel able to report concerns without fear of unfair punishment, while recognizing that gross negligence, deliberate violations, and harmful acts are not acceptable.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking applicants with the appropriate ATC credentials, strong operational knowledge, and the ability to perform in a demanding airport environment.

• Valid ATC licence with an Aerodrome/Tower or Approach Radar rating.
• Preferably 3 years of experience using that rating at a major international airport.
• Strong understanding of ATC procedures and operational standards.
• Knowledge of aviation safety management systems.
• Minimum ICAO English proficiency Level 4.
• Current Class 3 ATC medical certificate.

What We Offer

• A salary package that is competitive with market standards.
• Annual airfare support for travel to see family and friends at home.
• Contribution toward children’s school expenses.
• Comprehensive medical insurance for employees.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Fair, transparent, employee-friendly shift patterns and working hours.
• Generous leave entitlement.
• A professional workplace culture centered on staff and customer needs.
• Sunny weather in Dubai.

Additional Information

Assessments of Previous Competency (APC) will be conducted in Dubai throughout 2026.

Applicants are asked to share their earliest possible start date when applying. If you are not available immediately, you may join the Middle East talent pool for consideration at a later time, as the organization is flexible with start timelines.

About the Team

Working in DFS Aviation Services means joining a diverse, fast-moving group of aviation professionals focused on improving safety and efficiency. Since 2017, the team has expanded to more than 400 people working on air traffic management projects across 17 locations in 6 countries.

The workforce includes air traffic controllers, software developers, engineers, project managers, and customer service professionals, all contributing to safe and collaborative aviation operations.