Almost a quarter of pilots from European airlines report exhaustion

A recent survey by the European Cockpit Association reveals that nearly a quarter of European airline pilots experience fatigue but continue to fly due to pressure and fear of repercussions. The study, involving around 7,200 pilots across 32 countries, found that 75% had experienced micro-sleeps while flying. Many pilots reported insufficient rest and irregular schedules, contributing to fatigue, which poses significant safety risks. Despite regulations requiring airlines to manage crew fatigue, only a third of pilots feel comfortable reporting their inability to fly due to tiredness. The findings highlight a concerning culture within the industry regarding fatigue management, particularly among pilots from Irish and Maltese airlines.