Three in four European airline pilots have suffered microsleeps in the cockpit as almost a quarter fly when too fatigued

Pilots at airlines based in Ireland and Malta reported the highest rates of microsleeps — the brief, involuntary episodes of falling asleep at the controls. The European Cockpit Association's survey, conducted in August, covered nearly 7,200 captains and first officers. Many respondents described being pressured into longer hours and said they feared repercussions for declaring themselves unfit to fly. Just one in three said they routinely report fatigue.

Around 24% typically continue flying rather than admit fatigue, while 16.8% call in sick instead.

More than a third said their rest periods are too short to prevent fatigue from accumulating.

European safety regulations already oblige airlines to monitor and manage crew fatigue.