When Layla first watched her father check weather maps and radio frequencies from a small flight operations room at Sharjah Airport, she wasn’t exactly sure what he did, but she knew it mattered. Years later, sitting in the operations center of one of the UAE’s busiest airlines, her headset buzzing with updates from pilots and air traffic control, she finally understood. She had become a flight operator – part of the backbone of the aviation industry.

Although pilots are frequently given the spotlight, Layla has come to understand that the flight operators who work in the background are what really keep the aviation industry going. Her job required her to make complex decisions that had a direct impact on the aircraft’s efficiency and safety. From route planning and weather analysis to real-time flight monitoring. Every hour and every flight came with dozens of high-stakes choices. Many of them needed to be made quickly, efficiently, and long before the aircraft left the ground.

By 2042, more than 100,000 flight dispatchers and operations personnel will be needed worldwide, according to an outlook report by Boeing.

Flight operators are crucial to keeping planes in the sky. Amongst the plethora of tasks they oversee is the planning of routes, evaluating weather changes, determining the amount of fuel needed for the flight, and to keep an eye out on aircraft in real time. They work in cooperation with pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel.

Layla’s journey into the field began in a classroom in Dubai. She entered a training program approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates after earning her bachelor’s degree in aviation management. The curriculum was considered to be very demanding and included subjects like aircraft performance, aviation law, navigation, and meteorology. She was able to obtain her Flight Dispatcher License after passing the GCAA’s theoretical knowledge exam following months of late-night studies and practical tests.

Apart from the high barrier to entry, the day-to-day isn’t a walk in the park either. Dispatchers often work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays. They operate in high-pressure environments where they must remain calm and decisive. Situations such as sudden weather changes, mechanical issues, or international airspace disruptions require quick thinking and clear communication. Mistakes can result in delays, safety concerns, or financial losses.

Layla’s first job was mostly observational, as this allowed her to see exactly how the processes are done. Under the supervision of seasoned dispatchers, she worked support shifts and slowly, but surely, learned how to handle the pressure and responsibility that naturally came with the position.

Just 4 weeks out of her probationary period, a summer storm caused aircraft paths across Europe to be disrupted. A plane en route to Frankfurt needed to be rerouted quickly. Layla had to coordinate with multiple departments to chart a safe alternative. The thrill and exhilaration of making all of these ends meet are what got Layla hooked onto the job. Just like pressure makes diamonds, so too does it cause volcanoes to erupt – this job certainly isn’t for everyone and you can see why.

As dispatchers gain experience, they can advance to more senior roles such as Flight Operations Supervisor or Network Operations Manager. Some professionals transition into airline management, sustainability or regulatory positions.

Working in the UAE, a high volume aviation hub and home to airlines like Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia – Layla has to perform to very high standards. Operators are expected to be exceptional at international air traffic regulations, ICAO standards, and cross-continental operations. Being able to speak fluently in Arabic, English and have a basic command of French has helped her tremendously.

Technology continues to transform flight operations. Today’s dispatchers use sophisticated software for flight planning, real-time risk management tools, and predictive analytics platforms. Artificial intelligence is beginning to support decision-making processes. Rather than replacing human operators, these tools present all off the information needed for human decision-making while increasing the need for skilled professionals who can interpret complex data and make critical calls. Being adaptable and technically capable has become an essential part of the modern dispatcher’s role.

Many factors make the UAE an influential region, and one of the most promising, for careers in flight operations; it’s strategic location and investment in the aviation industry position it at the forefront of the aviation industry. Job prospects are consistent and favourable due to projects like airport expansions, airspace modernization and initiatives for sustainable aviation, all of which are ongoing and invaluable to the industry as a whole. Specifically, Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as hubs for transit, which allows dispatchers in the region to gain knowledge of international operations, and facilitates their knowledge expansion by exposing them to a diverse set of challenges.

A combination of features are required to manage long-term career success in a field like aviation operations; technical knowledge, professional development, and personal resilience are some of the most important to positions like Layla’s. The General Civil Aviation authority mandate regular training for this reason, and to keep staff working in the industry up to date, not only with regulatory changes, but also with technological advances and global trends. These international certifications can provide not only the knowledge necessary to be proficient for the job, but also allow for flexibility and mobility across global markets.

In this position, a skill set that is well-rounded can be achieved through exposure to diverse aviation sectors. Versatility from experiences in sectors such as long-haul passenger, cargo, low-cost regional, and private aviation can prove invaluable, especially in a competitive and evolving industry such as aviation. However, this is not the only important factor. Of equal important is the management of personal well-being, due to the nature of working in flight operations, which can be both mentally and physically demanding. One way UAE airlines have tried to help their staff is by investing in wellness programs, however it is also a personal responsibility. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance by resting, relieving stress, and putting time into your physical health has to be a priority, in order to stay effective and happy at work.

Layla, like many in the industry, can see the bright future of working in flight operations. An initial curiosity has turned into a career filled with purpose, responsibility, and opportunity for her, and as the global aviation industry continues to grow every year, skilled dispatchers like Layla will remain essential to making sure that every flight operates safely, efficiently, and on schedule, just as intended.

For anyone who is looking to enter the field of flight operations, the message is very clear. This is not just a behind the scenes job, it is stable, dynamic, rewarding, and a career which puts you at the very center of global air travel.