Career Overview
Flight dispatchers plan and monitor every flight from the ground. They calculate routes and fuel, analyse weather, prepare flight plans, and share legal responsibility with the captain for safe flight release.
The role demands pilot-level knowledge. Training runs through flight dispatcher licence programmes meeting ICAO standards.
Dispatchers work in airline operations control centres. Licensed dispatchers are recruited by Gulf and Asian carriers at multiples of local rates.
What Does This Career Do?
A flight dispatcher prepares operational flight plans, analyses weather and airspace, checks aircraft performance, co-signs the release with the captain, and monitors flights enroute.
Daily Responsibilities
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Flight planning systems
- Aviation meteorology
- Navigation & airspace
- Aircraft performance
- Fuel calculations
- Regulations
- Dangerous goods
- ICAO English
Soft Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Decision-making
- Calmness
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Discipline
Education Pathway
- 1O/L
- 2A/L (Physics/Maths preferred)
- 3Flight Dispatcher Licence course
- 4CAA licence exams
- 5Assistant dispatcher
- 6Licensed Dispatcher
- 7Senior → OCC management
Entry Requirements
- **Academic:** A/L (science/maths preferred) with strong English. - **Licence:** Approved course and CAA exams (ICAO standards). - **Experience:** Airlines develop through assistant roles. - **Related entry:** Ground operations, load control, pilot theory.
Recommended Courses
Diploma in Aviation Management
IATA Certification
Certificate in Airline & Airport Management
BSc in Aeronautical Studies
Advanced Diploma in Aviation Operations
Career Progression
- 1Operations Assistant
- 2Assistant Dispatcher
- 3Licensed Flight Dispatcher
- 4Senior Dispatcher
- 5Chief Dispatcher / OCC Shift Manager
- 6Operations Control Manager
- 7Director of Flight Operations
Industries Hiring
Salary Summary
| Experience | Monthly Salary (LKR) |
|---|---|
| 48,000 – 72,000 | |
| 72,000 – 112,000 | |
| 120,000 – 200,000 | |
| 200,000 – 320,000 | |
| 400,000 – 800,000 |
The salary information on this page is intended as a general guide for students and job seekers in Sri Lanka. Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, industry, location, job responsibilities, company size, performance, market demand, and additional benefits. The figures shown are estimated monthly salary ranges and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered guaranteed earnings.
Certifications That Increase Salary
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dispatcher earn?
What does a dispatcher do?
How to license?
Need to be a pilot?
Alternative to pilot training?
Hours?
What is OCC?
Legally responsible?
Overseas?
Courses?
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