# European pilots admit falling asleep in cockpit

> Three-quarters of European airline pilots admit to microsleeps in cockpits due to fatigue.
- Title: European pilots admit falling asleep in cockpit · Dailymail
- Summary: Three-quarters of European airline pilots admit to microsleeps in cockpits due to fatigue. european, airline, pilots · reported by Dailymail.
- Keywords: european, airline, pilots, fatigue, microsleeps, cockpit, safety, report, news, entertainment, admit, falling
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16238813/European-airline-pilots-fallen-asleep-cockpit.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-26T10:52:34+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: european, airline, pilots, fatigue, microsleeps, cockpit, safety, report, news, entertainment
## European pilots report fatigue
Three-quarters of European airline pilots admit to falling asleep in the cockpit due to fatigue.
## Survey reveals pilot fatigue
A survey of nearly 7,200 captains and first officers found pilots suffer from lack of rest and pressure to extend shifts.
## ECA survey highlights risks
The European Cockpit Association report shows pilots fear punishment for reporting fatigue, posing safety risks.
## 24% continue working
24 percent of pilots admitted to continuing work instead of reporting fatigue.
## 16.8% call in sick
Only 16.8 percent of pilots called in sick due to fatigue.
## Microsleeps reported
Three-quarters of pilots reported taking microsleeps in the cockpit due to fatigue.
## Microsleeps definition
Microsleeps are involuntary periods of sleep lasting several seconds that might not be noticed.
## Fatigue causes
Pilots face irregular shifts, jet-lag, and sleep deprivation that disrupt their body clocks.
## Safety implications
Fatigue impairs pilots' judgment, slows reactions, reduces alertness, and alters responses to emergencies.
## NSF explains microsleeps
The National Sleep Foundation states that during microsleeps, pilots may appear awake but their brains do not process information.
## Recent incidents
The reported incidents occurred within the previous four weeks according to the survey.
## Ireland and Malta highest
Pilots in Ireland and Malta admitted to the highest number of microsleeps.
## 30% sleep issues
More than 30 percent of pilots said they do not get enough sleep to prevent fatigue.
## 1 in 3 report fatigue
Only one in three pilots admitted they report themselves as too exhausted to fly when fatigued.
## 50% fly when fatigued
50 percent of pilots flew when they should not have due to fatigue in the three months prior to the survey.
## Fear of punishment
Nearly half of pilots feared being penalized for reporting fatigue.
## Trust in reporting
Only 11.9 percent felt their airline's fatigue reporting system was trustworthy.
## Budget airlines
Only 15.6 percent of budget airline pilots believed their companies managed fatigue risks well.
## Legal obligations
Licensed pilots are legally required to report fatigue and cannot fly when fatigued.
## Expert opinion
Aviation safety consultant Ian Holder noted persistent differences in how airlines and national bodies manage fatigue risks.
## Key takeaway

Three-quarters of European airline pilots admitted to falling asleep in the cockpit due to fatigue, with 24% continuing to work instead of reporting exhaustion.