The Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening aviation safety and operational efficiency by advocating improved training, stronger operational control centres and the implementation of global standards across Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The commitment was made by the President of FLIDAN while declaring open the Association’s 2026 Annual Conference, which brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), airlines, aviation agencies, Approved Aviation Training Organizations (AATOs), industry partners and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Safety and Efficiency: The Flight Dispatcher’s Role,” the FLIDAN President described flight dispatchers as indispensable partners in airline operational control whose expertise directly influences every safe departure, efficient flight plan, informed operational decision and successful arrival.

He noted that as global aviation continues to evolve through technological advancement, increasing regulatory requirements, environmental considerations and rising passenger expectations, flight dispatchers must continuously improve their knowledge, competence and professionalism.

According to him, safety remains the foundation of aviation, while efficiency ensures that resources are deployed wisely without compromising safe flight operations.

He stressed that the conference was designed to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, innovation and professional development, enabling participants to examine emerging operational challenges, exchange ideas and develop practical solutions capable of strengthening flight operations across Nigeria.

The FLIDAN President commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for providing policy leadership that continues to support the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.

He also applauded the NCAA for its commitment to effective safety oversight, regulatory excellence and support for professional development within the industry.

The Association further acknowledged the contributions of airlines, Approved Aviation Training Organizations, airport operators, aviation service providers and other stakeholders working to improve aviation safety and operational efficiency nationwide.

Reaffirming FLIDAN’s long-term vision, the President said the Association would continue to champion improved training for flight dispatchers, stronger Operations Control Centres, competency-based development programmes, implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and greater recognition of the strategic role played by flight dispatchers within the aviation ecosystem.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that recommendations from the conference translate into concrete improvements within airlines, Operations Control Centres, regulatory institutions and training organisations.

The FLIDAN President specifically called for the implementation of ICAO Document 10106, stronger Safety Management Systems, wider adoption of modern operational technologies and competency-based training to further improve safety and operational efficiency across the Nigerian aviation industry.

He reminded participants that every operational decision made by a flight dispatcher carries the responsibility of protecting lives, improving efficiency and strengthening public confidence in air transportation.

The Federal Government’s humanitarian evacuation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa has been successfully completed, with Air Peace returning the final batch of 308 citizens to Lagos, bringing the total number evacuated during the operation to 1,393.

The last evacuation flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Wednesday at 11:28 a.m., marking the end of five dedicated evacuation flights operated by Nigeria’s largest airline.

The returnees were welcomed by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and senior immigration officials on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking during the reception, Dabiri-Erewa conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of solidarity to the returnees and assured them of the government’s continued support for their reintegration.

She praised Air Peace and its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, for their contribution to the humanitarian exercise, describing the airline’s participation as another demonstration of its commitment to national service.

The evacuation operation, coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace, was carried out using the airline’s Boeing 777-200 aircraft across five missions.

According to the airline, the successful operation underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in responding to humanitarian emergencies and ensuring the safety of Nigerians abroad.

Air Peace stated that beyond transporting passengers, the evacuation reunited families and provided relief to citizens affected by the security situation in South Africa.

The carrier also noted that it has now undertaken more than 20 humanitarian and evacuation missions since it began operations, supporting emergency response efforts in Nigeria and across the African continent.

The airline reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the government on humanitarian interventions and continuing to provide support whenever national emergencies arise.

Flight operations on the Air Peace network have been disrupted after a ground handling vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) collided with one of the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1), Lagos.

Air Peace confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after Flight P47427 arrived from Kano and passengers had safely disembarked from the aircraft.

According to the airline, a NAHCO baggage conveyor belt vehicle struck the aircraft’s engine, causing extensive damage and rendering the Airbus A320 unserviceable.

In a statement issued by its management, Air Peace said the damaged aircraft had been scheduled to operate several flights across its domestic network in the coming days, adding that the incident would inevitably affect flight operations.

The airline warned that the unexpected development would lead to delays on several scheduled services, while some flights could be cancelled as it works to adjust its fleet and minimise operational disruptions.

Air Peace apologised to passengers whose travel plans may be affected, assuring them that its operations and customer service teams have been mobilised to provide alternative travel arrangements and necessary assistance where possible.

The airline said it is working closely with the ground handling company and relevant aviation authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence.

It reiterated that the safety of its passengers, crew and equipment remains its highest priority and thanked customers for their patience, understanding and continued support as it manages the operational challenges arising from the incident.