Flight dispatchers co-ordinate all activities on the ground at an airport to ensure the safe, quick and efficient turnaround of aircraft from when they land to the time they depart. They are also known as turn around co-ordinators (TCOs) or flight operations officer.

Flight dispatchers are officially known as Aircraft Dispatchers or Flight Operations Officers (FOOs), but they are often colloquially referred to as "Pilots on the Ground." In the aviation industry, they hold a status equal to the Captain regarding the safety and operational control of a flight; this is known as "Joint Responsibility." Every commercial flight requires an Aircraft Dispatcher to analyze weather patterns, calculate fuel requirements, plan the route to avoid turbulence, and ensure the aircraft is within its weight and balance limits. In 2026, their role has become even more tech-centric, utilizing AI-driven flight planning software to optimize routes for fuel efficiency and carbon reduction. Despite not being in the cockpit, they are legally required to be licensed by civil aviation authorities (like the FAA in the U.S.) and must maintain constant communication with the flight crew throughout the journey. If weather conditions deteriorate or an emergency occurs, the dispatcher is the primary person coordinating the diversion and ensuring the safety of the mission from the airline's operations center.