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Pilot Fatigue Soars: 93% Admit Napping Mid-Flight

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Vereinigung Cockpit, a German pilots’ union, reports rising fatigue among pilots.
A survey of over 900 pilots found that 93% have napped during flights recently.
While not representative, 12% nap on every flight, and 44% do so regularly.
Union vice-president Katharina Dieseldorff noted that napping has become common due to structural pressures.
Staff shortages and increased operational demands, particularly in summer, worsen pilot fatigue.

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Story summary

Vereinigung Cockpit, a German pilots’ union, reports rising fatigue among pilots.
A survey of over 900 pilots found that 93% have napped during flights recently.
While not representative, 12% nap on every flight, and 44% do so regularly.
Union vice-president Katharina Dieseldorff noted that napping has become common due to structural pressures.
Staff shortages and increased operational demands, particularly in summer, worsen pilot fatigue.