Airports around the world are in a period of rapid transformation. Rising passenger demand, advances in digital technology, and changing workforce expectations are reshaping how airports operate.
According to the ACI World – ICF Workforce Management at Airports 2025 Report, airports face an urgent challenge: how to attract, retain, and upskill the talent they need to thrive. With an ageing workforce, difficulties in recruiting younger employees, and growing competition for skilled workers, airports can no longer rely on traditional approaches. The report makes one point clear: investing in training is no longer optional, it is strategic.
Why Training Matters More Than Ever
The ACI report highlights that skills shortages are one of the biggest risks to airport sustainability. Many new recruits enter the industry without airport-specific knowledge, leading to longer onboarding and higher turnover. Meanwhile, evolving needs in operations, customer experience, and safety demand skills that are often in short supply.
Airports that invest in structured training and development are better positioned to:
- Reduce costly turnover through clearer career pathways.
- Onboard new staff faster with job-ready knowledge.
- Build resilience by aligning workforce capabilities with future industry needs.
ACI’s Recommendations for Training
ACI is clear in its guidance: airports must expand access to training and certification opportunities. Specifically, the report recommends that airports:
- Partner with local training providers and aviation academies to offer modular, stackable credentials that are recognized across the airport ecosystem.
- Support the development of micro-credentials in areas such as customer service, operations, sustainability, and safety to encourage career progression and mobility.
This shift to flexible, accredited learning ensures that training not only builds immediate operational competence but also supports long-term professional growth.
How OLC Training Delivers on This Vision
At OLC, our airport training programs are built to meet the priorities outlined by ACI. The Diploma in Airport Operations is structured around modular, accredited, and internationally designed certificate courses, allowing airports to align training with both immediate operational needs and long-term workforce planning. In addition, our specialized short courses provide targeted learning in key areas, enabling airports to strengthen capabilities and build consistent standards across their workforce.
For airports, the benefits are clear:
- Faster onboarding: Staff gain essential airport-specific knowledge from day one.
- Workforce flexibility: Modular programs and micro-credentials make it easy to train for specific operational needs.
- Retention through development: Employees see a clear pathway for career growth, encouraging them to stay and advance within the airport ecosystem.
- Global best practice: OLC courses are built on international standards and accredited by Airport Council International (ACI).
A Strategic Investment in People
As ACI notes, the strength of the aviation system ultimately rests on its people. Airports that treat training as a strategic investment, rather than just a compliance exercise, will be best placed to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality services in the years ahead.
By partnering with OLC, airports can not only address today’s workforce gaps but also future-proof their organizations with a skilled, motivated, and resilient workforce.
Explore OLC’s accredited airport training programs here and see how we can help your airport build the workforce of tomorrow.
