BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) will hold its 2026 Annual Conference on July 15 in Lagos, bringing together regulators, airline operators and aviation professionals to examine the critical role of flight dispatchers in enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency.
The conference, with the theme “Safety and Efficiency: The Flight Dispatchers’ Role,” will take place at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex Training Hall.
Participants are expected to include officials of aviation regulatory agencies, airline operators, flight dispatchers, pilots, air traffic management experts, aviation safety professionals, training institutions, academics, aviation students and members of the media.
Speaking ahead of the conference, FLIDAN President, Mr. Daniel Ayuba, said the event would provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the changing responsibilities of flight dispatchers as the aviation industry embraces new technologies and faces increasing operational demands.
According to him, the profession has become more important as airlines contend with rising air traffic, stricter regulatory requirements and more complex operational challenges.
He explained that flight dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient flight operations through effective flight planning, operational control, weather monitoring, fuel management, regulatory compliance and real-time operational decision-making.
Ayuba said the conference would stimulate discussions on key industry issues, including aviation safety management systems, operational excellence, collaborative decision-making, technological innovations, human factors, regulatory compliance, capacity building and the future of flight dispatch practice in Nigeria.
Emphasising the importance of the profession, he said, “Flight Dispatchers are an indispensable part of every successful flight operation.
They work behind the scenes, making critical operational decisions that directly contribute to flight safety and efficiency.
“This conference provides a unique opportunity for regulators, operators, and aviation professionals to collectively examine how dispatch professionals can continue to strengthen aviation safety, improve operational performance, embrace innovation, and support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
Ayuba added that the conference reflects FLIDAN’s commitment to promoting professional excellence, continuous learning, knowledge sharing and stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the aviation sector.
The conference programme will feature keynote addresses by leading aviation experts, technical presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions and networking opportunities aimed at encouraging the exchange of ideas and industry best practices.
In a statement, FLIDAN General Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Adegbe, said participants would benefit from discussions on emerging global trends, operational challenges, regulatory developments and technological innovations shaping modern flight operations.
She noted that the conference would also explore practical solutions for improving the efficiency, resilience and safety of Nigeria’s aviation industry while strengthening professional standards and operational competence.
Adegbe reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing professionalism, promoting continuous capacity development, encouraging operational excellence and supporting the adoption of international best practices to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
