Almost a quarter of European airline pilots fly when too fatigued to work

The Guardian UK Monday 26 October 2026, 06:00 UTC By Carmen Aguilar García and Sarah Marsh 1 min read

Key Points

Pilots report pressure to extend working hours and fears of penalties for declaring themselves unfit to flyThree in four European airline pilots have taken microsleeps in the cockpit, while almost a quarter routinely fly despite being too fatigued to work, according to a report. The findings, based on a survey of almost 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), include pilots reporting insufficient rest, pressure to extend working hours and fears of being...

Pilots report pressure to extend working hours and fears of penalties for declaring themselves unfit to fly

Three in four European airline pilots have taken microsleeps in the cockpit, while almost a quarter routinely fly despite being too fatigued to work, according to a report.

The findings, based on a survey of almost 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), include pilots reporting insufficient rest, pressure to extend working hours and fears of being penalised for declaring themselves unfit to fly.

European (ORG) the European Cockpit Association (ORG) ECA (ORG)

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Almost a quarter of European airline pilots fly when too fatigued to work

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