Pilots go to work despite fatigue and sometimes take naps during flights

A survey of 7,200 pilots conducted by the European Cockpit Association has revealed that many flight crew members feel pressured to work even when they are too exhausted to perform their duties safely. Respondents cited concerns regarding potential negative repercussions from their employers if they choose to call in sick, leading to widespread fatigue across the industry. The findings indicate that 75 percent of those surveyed reported falling asleep at the controls at some point during the four weeks preceding the study, with particularly high rates reported among pilots working for Irish and Maltese airlines.

Irregular work schedules and frequent travel across time zones contribute significantly to disrupted sleep patterns, challenging the pilots' ability to remain alert. While European airlines are legally required to monitor the fitness of their staff, the association argues that current oversight is insufficient. The European Cockpit Association is calling for greater accountability from both airlines and regulators, noting that improvements require stronger political commitment. In contrast to other regions, pilots in the Netherlands and Finland are reportedly more comfortable reporting their fatigue to employers.