Fatigue and Flight Safety: Assessing Aircrew Fatigue and Its Operational Impact in Nigeria's Commercial Aviation Industry

Abstract: Aircrew fatigue is a critical concern in global aviation, with profound implications for flight safety, operational efficiency, and crew well-being. This study investigated the prevalence of fatigue among aircrew in Nigeria’s commercial aviation sector and examine how this fatigue affects various aspects of flight operations, with a focus on implications for flight safety and performance. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and was carried out in the Murtala Muhammed international airport (MMIA) Lagos. The population of the study consisted of pilots, flight engineers and cabin crew with the relevant professional licenses that work with local commercial airlines and are actively involved in flying duties in both the long and short haul categories. The sample size of this study comprised 190 participants and validated semi structured, self-rating and self-administered questionnaire developed by Airbus in collaboration with a French university was adapted for qualitative data collection. The analysis of data was done using the Epi info statistical software package version 3.5.1(2008). Findings showed a significant physical fatigue symptoms among aircrew, with slowed reaction time being the most prevalent. Also, findings revealed notable mental fatigue symptoms among aircrew, with a significant proportion reporting declines in attention, distractibility, sluggish movements, and minor errors. The study concluded that fatigue both physical and mental is a widespread and critical issue among aircrew, affecting operational performance and safety. Physical symptoms such as slowed reaction time, lethargy, and impaired mood were highly prevalent, alongside signs of reduced alertness and physical strain. Hence, the study recommended amongst others that airlines should adopt Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) frameworks that monitor both physical and mental fatigue indicators, enabling proactive interventions such as rest breaks, schedule adjustments, and crew rotation. Keywords: Aircrew fatigue, flight safety, commercial aviation, fatigue risk management. Title: Fatigue and Flight Safety: Assessing Aircrew Fatigue and Its Operational Impact in Nigeria's Commercial Aviation Industry Author: Cole, Osagie Kenneth International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies ISSN 2394-9716 Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2026 - February 2026 Page No: 1-8 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 04-February-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18485778 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Fatigue%20and%20Flight%20Safety%20Assessing%20Aircrew-04022026-2.pdf