Airport Operations Fundamentals course (partner-taught or self-study)

Did you know that in the past 5 years, 2824 participants from 65 countries have taken this course with IATA?

45-hour partner-taught or self-study course

In a rapidly changing environment, airports have to adapt to economic downturns, technological changes, market changes, airline commercial deregulation, and the worldwide trend to convert airports from government organizations to more business-like entities. These pressures have or have had or are having significant effects on the way airports do business, not only from a financial perspective but also from an operational standpoint. In these challenging times, and with emerging competition from other airports and other modes of transportation, it is of the utmost importance that airports recruit and provide employees and managers with the best available knowledge and skills. This course was prepared to provide you with a solid overview of the airport operations field and with tools to apply your knowledge and skills to your airport. It is designed to be useful not only for your own benefit but also to help you make better decisions for your organization.

Course Code: TAPP-14

Course format

• This is a partner-taught or self-study course, which will take you approximately 45 hours to complete, depending on your previous knowledge and experience.
• The course materials are provided in e-book or printed format. Please choose the format when you register.
• You will have 12 months to complete the course and exam (enrollment validity), which starts from the date you purchase the course.
• The recommended level for this course is Entry-level.
• Performance will be based on an examination. Please refer to the Exam Information below for more details.

Please note: Once you have completed the exam you will no longer have access to the course material, and after the 12-month enrollment validity expires you will no longer have access to the course content, nor will you be able to take the exam.

Study with the help of an Instructor

If you would prefer to study this course with the help of a local trainer, enrol at an IATA Authorized Training Center near you.

Registration information

• Please refer to our payment methods and applicable taxes.
• When you click to purchase the course, you will be directed to log in to your Training Profile through our Customer Portal.
• Are you purchasing the course for several people at once? Please find out how on our Payment page.

Upon completing this course you will have the skills to:

• Know the history of aviation and understand the role airports play in the economy
• Discover the various airport customers and partners
• Gain knowledge about the multiple operational and business functions of airports
• Acquire the tools to apply your knowledge and skills to your airport environment

The key topics that are covered during this course include:

• Operational functions of the airport
• Rescue, fire fighting and other support services
• Airport issues and challenges
• The future of airports
• Technological developments

This course is recommended for:

• Recently appointed airport staff
• Travel industry staff
• Newcomers to the industry

An IATA Certificate of Completion is awarded to participants who successfully pass the final exam.

Exam information

Please read the information about Online Exams with Remote Supervision (OERS), and check the Course Edition List for Exams (pdf) when booking your exam.

• Method: Online exam with remote supervision (OERS)
• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions. Closed course book exam.
• Time Allowance: 3 hours
• Passing Grade: 60% correct answers
• Distinction Grade: 90% correct answers
• Number of exam attempts: 2