An Airport Services Duty Officer (ASDO) is a senior operational manager who acts as the "eyes and ears" of the airport, responsible for the safe and efficient running of the entire facility during their shift. This is a 24/7 role that involves coordinating between airlines, ground handlers, security, and air traffic control to resolve "real-time" issues. Their duties range from managing gate assignments and resolving passenger terminal congestion to leading the response during aircraft emergencies or severe weather events. They are also responsible for conducting safety audits on the "airside" (the runways and taxiways) to check for debris or lighting failures. Essentially, the Duty Officer is the person in charge when the main airport director is off-duty; they must have the authority and expertise to make split-second decisions that ensure the airport remains compliant with international safety standards (ICAO) while keeping thousands of travelers moving through the system without delay.