Three in four European airline pilots have taken microsleeps in the cockpit, while almost a quarter routinely fly despite being too fatigued to work, according to a report.

The findings, based on a survey of almost 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), include pilots reporting insufficient rest, pressure to extend working hours and fears of being penalised for declaring themselves unfit to fly.

Almost a quarter (24%) of pilots admitted they usually continue flying rather than report themselves unfit due to fatigue, while another 16.8% said they call in sick instead.

In aviation, fatigue can result from long duty hours, insufficient rest, irregular schedules and flying across time zones, which disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.…