- A survey by the German Vereinigung Cockpit union revealed that almost all German pilots (93 per cent) have napped during flights in recent months due to exhaustion.
- The survey of over 900 members found that 12 per cent napped every flight, 44 per cent regularly, and 33 per cent occasionally, with only three per cent reporting it as a one-off.
- Pilots attributed their extreme fatigue to tight schedules, staff shortages, and increasing operational pressure, leading to napping becoming a “permanent remedy for structural overload”.
- The union stressed that while a short nap is not inherently critical, a permanently exhausted cockpit crew presents a significant safety risk and has called for decisive action from airlines and authorities.
- Lufthansa, one of the airlines surveyed, stated it has comprehensive rules for flight and duty plans to ensure sufficient rest and that controlled rest on the flight deck is a preventive measure for safety.
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