‘Flight Dispatcher Collapsed, Died At Nation’s Airport In October’

The President of Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN), Com. Daniel Ayuba, on Monday said a flight dispatcher collapsed and died on the tarmac of one of Nigerian Airports two months ago.

The president who disclosed this in Lagos yesterday, however, refused to mention the name of the victim and the airport where the incident happened.

According to Ayuba, a lot of other flight dispatchers are hospitalised due to overwork, poor payment and working conditions.

He further charged the government to ensure policies of consistent job placements and on-the-job training opportunities for new graduates.

“Airlines must foster transparency and fairness in salary structures, empowering Flight Dispatchers with the respect and compensation they deserve. Less than two months ago, we lost a dedicated flight dispatcher who collapsed and died on the tarmac, an avoidable tragedy that highlights the cost of neglect,”he said.

“Others remain hospitalised due to overwork and poor conditions. How many more must suffer before change is effected.”

Com. Ayuba said that flight dispatchers are overworked, undervalued, and underpaid despite playing a paramount, pivotal role in aviation safety and efficiency.

“Flight Dispatchers are the unseen pilots, commanding operations from the ground to ensure safety in the skies. Yet, we are overworked, undervalued, and underpaid. This cannot continue. We must foster a culture that values and protects the professionals who underpin the safety of every passenger flight.

“Internationally, aviation authorities recognize fatigue as a critical safety concern. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR 2023) Part 8.10 explicitly limits Flight Dispatchers to a maximum of 10 hours of duty. Yet, this provision is regularly flouted, particularly in outstations, where dispatchers often exceed these limits without consequence. Fatigue compromises decision-making and jeopardizes lives—an issue we must address urgently.”

Speaking earlier, the second vice president, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Dr. Alex Nwuba, identified key Issues affecting flight dispatchers as long and irregular work hours, high-pressure environment, limited work-life balance, lack of recognition and appreciation, underestimated role and limited career advancement opportunities.

He stated that flight dispatchers face challenging work conditions that affect their job performance, mental health and overall well-being.”

“Flight dispatching is a demanding task that requires meticulous attention to detail, sound decision-making, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Despite their vital role, flight dispatchers often face challenging work conditions that can impact their job performance, mental health, and overall well-being.”

“Long and irregular work hours, high-pressure environment, limited work-life balance, lack of recognition and appreciation, underestimated role and limited career advancement opportunities,” Nwuba stated.