A recent survey of European airline pilots has revealed widespread incidents of fatigue, with three out of four respondents reporting that they have experienced "microsleeps" while in the cockpit. The study, conducted in August by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), gathered responses from more than 7,000 captains and first officers across Europe, highlighting ongoing concerns about pilot rest and safety.

Microsleeps—brief, involuntary episodes of sleep lasting several seconds—are particularly alarming because affected individuals may appear awake but lack fully functioning cognitive processing. The US-based National Sleep Foundation (NSF) explained that during these episodes, pilots' judgment, reaction times, alertness, and ability to respond to unexpected situations can be significantly impaired, raising serious safety risks.

According to the survey, pilots face significant pressure to extend their working hours despite fatigue. Nearly 24 percent admitted to continuing flights without reporting themselves as unfit, while only 16.8 percent said they called in sick due to tiredness. Additionally, more than 30 percent of pilots indicated they do not get enough sleep to prevent fatigue. Despite this, only one in three pilots reported themselves as too exhausted to fly, and half acknowledged flying when they should not have within the previous three months.

The ECA report also found that nearly half of the pilots feared punitive measures if they reported fatigue, with just 11.9 percent expressing confidence in the fatigue reporting systems of their airlines. Confidence was notably lower among pilots working for budget carriers, where only 15.6 percent believed their employers managed fatigue risks effectively.

Geographically, pilots employed by airlines based in Ireland and Malta reported the highest frequency of microsleeps in the cockpit. The ECA attributes the rise in fatigue-related incidents to years of cost-cutting measures, leading to chronic understaffing and demanding scheduling practices. The group warned that the expectation for pilots to consistently "go the extra mile" can threaten safety when it compromises alertness and decision-making capacity.

Licensed pilots are legally required not to operate flights when fatigued and to notify their airline if unfit to fly. However, the findings suggest that fear of disciplinary action and inadequate fatigue management systems may discourage truthful reporting, leaving safety concerns unaddressed.

The ECA launched a campaign in June focused on the growing fatigue crisis, emphasizing that the issue has worsened over time amid tightening operational pressures. The association urged airlines and regulators to take stronger measures to ensure pilots receive adequate rest and support to maintain flight safety standards.