MBA in Aviation Management: Top Courses, Colleges & Career in 2025

Have you ever noticed how, unlike a train station, the airport is immaculately organized? The efforts of a team of aviation management specialists, experts, and ground workers who coordinate, manage, and maintain everything at the airport and within the aircraft make this possible. MBA in Aviation Management is a discipline that studies airlines, airports, and other businesses in the aviation industry. Since the industry provides a variety of work opportunities, Aviation Management courses have grown in popularity, with a growing number of students enrolling in such programs. In this blog, we will shed light on the important details about this post-graduation program, including top colleges, cost of study, career opportunities, and more.

What is an MBA in Aviation Management?

An MBA or Master of Business Administration in Aviation Management is a 2-year postgraduate program, intended to offer the specialised knowledge and skills required to manage aviation operations at airports and other aerospace organisations. It also integrates leadership and management skills into the aviation industry.

The degree program includes airport management, airline finance, aviation law, safety systems, and regulatory compliance. Mostly it is offered full-time, but some universities provide an executive or part-time option for working professionals. The area of emphasis in this program includes aviation business, general management fundamentals, and extra specialization in international business, marketing, and finance.

Course Name	MBA in Aviation Management
Duration	2 Years
Level	Post-Graduate
Average Tuition Fee (2025)	INR 1.50-10 Lakhs per year
Top Institutes in India	SAGE University Dr. DY Patil University Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Hindustan Business School University of Petroleum and Energy Studies – [UPES]

What are the Top Universities for an MBA in Aviation Management in India?

With the increase in demand for professionals who are well-versed in both the needs of the aviation industry and management courses, several universities and business schools around the world now offer an MBA in Aviation Management at a total cost of INR 2.50-10 Lakhs. The following are the top 10 universities that provide an MBA in Aviation Management in India.

Institutes	Location	Annual Tuition Fees
SAGE University	Indore	INR 1.50 Lakhs
Dr. DY Patil University	Navi Mumbai	INR 9.50 Lakhs
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University	Amethi	INR 1 Lakh
Hindustan Business School	Chennai	INR 2 Lakhs
AJ Aviation Academy	Bangalore	INR 2.5 Lakhs
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies – [UPES]	Dehradun	INR 3.50 Lakhs
Airway India Management College	Kolkata	INR 3 Lakhs
Jain University	Bengaluru	INR 10 Lakhs
Galgotias University	Greater Noida	INR 1.50 Lakhs
Trade wings Institute of Management	Delhi	INR 1.40 Lakhs

Quick Read: How to Join DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)?

What are the Top Universities for an MBA in Aviation Management Abroad?

Below, we have tabulated the list of some of the top universities for pursuing an MBA in Aviation Management abroad, along with their location and average tuition fee per year. The average tuition fee is around INR 5 Lakhs-50 Lakhs per year, depending on the country and the university.

Universities	Location	Average Tuition Fee Per Year
Middlesex University	UK	GBP 13,750 (INR 14 Lakhs)
Emirates Aviation University	UAE	AED 309,950 (INR 63 Lakhs)
Civil Aviation University of China	China	CNY 12,000 (INR 1 Lakh)
AUS – American University in Switzerland	Switzerland	CHF 21,625 (INR 17 Lakhs)
Toulouse Business School (Aerospace MBA)	France	EUR 42,000 (INR 43 Lakhs)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	USA	USD 33,321 (INR 27 Lakhs)
Brunel University London	UK	GBP 22,880 (INR 23 Lakhs)
Singapore Aviation Academy	Singapore	SGD 35,343 (INR 21 Lakhs)
Swinburne University of Technology	Australia	AUD 30,960 (INR 17 Lakhs)
IU International University of Applied Sciences	Germany	EUR 14,190 (INR 12 Lakhs)
Griffith University	Australia	AUD 30,000 (INR 17 Lakhs)
Lynn University	USA	USD 27,000 (INR 20 Lakhs)
University of New South Wales – Sydney	Australia	AUD 39,600 (INR 22 Lakhs)
University of Southern Queensland	Australia	AUD 27,040 (INR 15 Lakhs)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia	Malaysia	RM 31,804 (INR 5 Lakhs)

Quick Read: Aviation Courses After 12th

6 Popular Universities Abroad for MBA in Aviation Management

In this section, we have briefly discussed the 6 popular universities abroad for pursuing an MBA in Aviation Management. These are 

• Brunel University, London
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA
• Lynn University, USA
• IUBH University of Applied Sciences, Germany
• Toulouse Business School
• Singapore Aviation Academy

Brunel University, London

The comprehensive MBA in Aviation Management course (1-year) offered by the university equips the students with the basics of areas like engineering, logistics, catering, cargo, energy, safety, security, IT, etc. With a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, you can seek admission to the university in this course. The average fee for the degree program at Brunel University London is INR 23 Lakhs per year, which you can pay in two instalments after admission. Here is the list of some of the topics that are taught at the university under the master’s course: 

• Managing for the Future
• Airline Management, Economics, and Ethics
• Healthcare Policy
• Information Systems in Organisations
• Managing Service Operations and Change in Healthcare
• Airport Operations Management

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA

Established in the year 1978, ERAU is counted amongst the top aeronautical universities in the world. The MBA program at the university has been designed to give students industry-standard training in Aviation Management, and also allows them to choose a specialization subject based on their interests of the candidates. Some of the popular specialization courses offered are:

• Airport Management
• Airline Management
• Aviation System Management
• Finance
• Supply Chain Management courses

Lynn University, USA

Among the top universities in the US, Lynn University offers an MBA in Aviation Management program both in offline and online modes. The program trains and equips students with skills related to Aircrew Training, Ground Personnel, and Air Industry Management. Some of the major topics covered in this postgraduate program are Aviation Organization Operations, Airport Operations, and Aviation Management. 

IUBH University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Established in the year 1998, IUBH is among the top universities in Germany, which is revered for its practical-oriented courses. It offers a dynamic MBA in Aviation Management program, which runs for over three years and is taught in English language. The course can be pursued at any of the two German campuses, which are located in Bad Honnef and Berlin. 

Toulouse Business School, France

The Toulouse Chamber of Commerce and Industry established the Toulouse Business School in 1903. The school’s initial mission was to meet the need for capable business managers in the local community. TBS has three accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. However, for seasoned managers looking to improve their international management competencies and leadership in aerospace, the full-time Aerospace MBA provides a world-class education efficiently and conveniently.

Singapore Aviation Academy, Singapore

The Singapore Aviation Academy’s two-year Master of Business Administration in Aviation (MBAA) program will give you the solid base you need to succeed in today’s aviation world. Designed to emphasize the implementation of modern management principles, practices, and tools within an aviation context, you will have access to all of the resources that an MBAA student will have, with the added competitive advantage of becoming an aviation expert.

Also Read: Bachelor of Aviation: Top Courses, Universities, Fees

Eligibility for MBA in Aviation Management (India vs Abroad)

Criteria	India	Abroad
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university (minimum 50–60% aggregate, varies by college).	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized/accredited university (usually with a good GPA, ~2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent).
Work Experience	Fresh graduates are eligible in many universities. Some institutes (like executive MBAs) may prefer 1–2 years of experience.	2–3 years of professional work experience required (especially for reputed universities/Executive MBAs). Some universities accept freshers for MSc/Master’s in Aviation Management.
Entrance Exams	National/University-specific tests such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, or institution-specific entrance exams. Some accept direct admission based on graduation marks.	GMAT or GRE scores commonly required for MBA programs. Some universities waive these with strong academic/work profiles.
English Proficiency	Not mandatory for Indian students (instruction is in English).	Mandatory: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE with minimum score requirement (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 80+, PTE 58+).
Age Limit	Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Resume, and sometimes interviews.	No strict age limit, but average MBA cohort age is 25–35 years.
Other Requirements	Personal Interview / Group Discussion in many institutes.	No strict age limit, but the average MBA cohort age is 25–35 years.

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MBA in Aviation Management Subjects

Covering various facets of both Management and Business, you will study a wide range of core and elective modules to develop a strong understanding of the field. Here are some of the subjects that form an integral part of the MBA in Aviation Management course:

Core Management Subjects (Foundation & General MBA Topics)

• Principles of Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Human Resource Management
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Corporate Communication / Communication Skills & Business Correspondence
• Business Research Methodologies / Research Methods in Business
• Data Analytics for Business Decisions
• Strategic Management
• Economic Analysis for Business Decisions

Aviation & Specialization Subjects (Industry-Specific)

• Aviation Law & Regulatory Framework
• Aviation Safety Management and Accident Investigations
• Aviation Economics
• Airline Finance and Economics
• Airline Marketing Management
• Airline Operation and Scheduling
• Airline and Airport Management
• Airport Planning & Design
• Air Cargo Management
• Airline Revenue Management
• Aviation Quality / Total Quality Management
• Aviation Organization Operations 
• Airline Ground Operations
• Aviation Security & Risk Management 

Electives & Value-Added Modules

• Entrepreneurship Development
• International Business Management
• Aviation IT Applications 
• Insurance and Risk Management 
• Project Work / Dissertation
• Practicals, Seminars & Case Studies

MBA in Aviation Management Syllabus

Below, we have presented the general syllabus of the MBA in Aviation Management course. However, it might vary depending on the university and curriculum requirements.

First Year

The first-year syllabus is listed below.

• Human Resource Management
• Airline Marketing Management
• Accounting for Management 
• Economic Analysis for Business Decisions
• Organisational Behaviour 
• Airline and Airport Management
• Data Analytics for Business Decisions 
• Practical (Business Application Software)
• Airline Operations and Scheduling
• Aviation Law
• Airline Finance
• Strategic Management
• Communication Skills and Business Correspondence
• Aviation Safety Management and Accident Investigations
• Total Quality Management
• Research Methods in Business
• Practical (Summer Project)
• Practical (Seminar 1: Emerging Trends in Management – Case Study & Seminar)

Second Year

The second-year syllabus is listed below.

• Industry Internship / Viva
• International Business Management
• Electives (Choice-based from Aviation & Management specialisations)
• Entrepreneurship Development
• Practical (Summer Project Work)
• Aviation Organization Operations / Airport Planning
• Project Work / Dissertation
• Practical (Seminar 2: Emerging Trends in Management)

Career Prospects after an MBA in Aviation Management

An MBA in Aviation Management graduate can work in an array of areas in the Aerospace industry with lucrative salaries. From working for top national and international airlines like British Airways, Qatar, Etihad, etc., to working with the Regulatory Authorities, this degree program opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Listed below are some of the popular jobs in the aviation sector.:

• Aviation Operations Specialist/Manager: This position’s manager ensures a safe takeoff and the arrival of all planes at a specific airport. It normally serves as a conduit between the ATC and local support personnel.
• Human Resource Manager: This type of professional has prior experience working with aviation faculty and resolving employee problems. Personnel working in this area must be capable of dealing with aviation-related challenges.
• Cargo Supervisor: They are in charge of supervising and coordinating the ground crew’s activities in loading, unloading, and protecting the aircraft’s cargo or luggage.
• Professor/Faculty: Graduates with a degree in aviation management may also serve as aviation professors. These individuals interact with flight schools. Those who want to learn and teach aviation will choose this profession as a way to pass on their knowledge to future generations.
• Systems operations manager: They are primarily in charge of dispatching and planning aircraft missions.
• Security Supervisor: They conduct a thorough screening of all passengers to ensure their safety.
• Air Traffic Controllers: This role is critical to the airport’s overall success. Individuals in these roles should be creating flight schedules for up and down flights. They’ll be announcing the arrival and then set off.
• Airport manager: Any working process in the Airlines is supervised by the manager. The manager must oversee each and every project, ensuring that they are running smoothly.
• Aeroplane/Aircraft maintenance manager: Concerns itself with the servicing, repair, and general maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines in order to ensure that they are fully safe to fly and comply with FAA regulations.

Other Job Profiles/Roles are as follows:

• Consultant
• Market Research Analyst
• Supply and Logistics Manager
• Resource Manager
• Operations Analyst
• Flight dispatcher
• Flight planner
• Purchasing manager
• Emergency planner
• Airline ground operations
• Aviation safety authorities

Salary after an MBA in Aviation Management 

In India, the average income for an MBA in Aviation Management degree holder is about INR 10-12 lakhs per year, depending on the employer and years of experience. The course prepares students for a variety of high-paying positions in the aviation industry and hence has a high earning potential. Starting wages in this business can range from INR 3-6 LPA, with senior-level incomes exceeding INR 18-25 Lakhs per year. The salary/figures can even increase after earning a degree from abroad and gaining work experience overseas.  

Scope of MBA in Aviation Management

Believe it or not, among all the administration specializations, management experts in Aviation Management always get a chance to stand out. Students have the opportunity to learn skills that will help them keep up with the ever-changing business. Having said that, the sector is expanding on a daily basis, with more than 80 worldwide and globally recognized airlines operating in India. Furthermore, the company is growing rapidly and requires highly skilled employees. Students pursuing an MBA in Aviation Management will have several chances in the near future, as the global aviation sector prepares to expand and reach new heights. Apart from that, some of the courses that students can follow after completing the MBA in Aviation Management are listed below:

1. PhD in Aviation Management
2. Commercial Pilot training
3. IATA Courses
4. Train the Trainee Certification 

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Hopefully, with this blog, you are now familiar with the details regarding the MBA in Aviation Management. Even though several universities offer this degree program, pursuing the course at the right business school can give wings to your career. Thus, if you want to study this course but are not sure about how to get started with it, then the experts at Leverage Edu will assist you in finding the university using the AI-enabled tool. For the latest updates, you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and can subscribe to our newsletter too.