Canada (Commonwealth Union) _ Former and current pilots at Wizz Air, a budget airline, have accused the company of pressuring them to fly excessive hours to maximize profits, potentially compromising safety. While the legal maximum for pilot flight hours in a year is 900 hours, some pilots allege that Wizz Air views this cap as a target rather than a limit. The company is accused of encouraging pilots to work extra hours to boost their income, which primarily relies on a meagre basic salary. Some pilots claim that fatigue and long working hours have led to safety concerns.
The pilots reveal that they feel pressured to work overtime due to the financial incentives offered by the company. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of fatigue on cognitive and motor skills, with sleep deprivation leading to cognitive impairments similar to being above the legal limit for alcohol consumption. While airlines are expected to prioritize safety, some pilots have accused Wizz Air’s CEO of urging them to continue working when fatigued.
Wizz Air, which has faced various issues in recent years, including delays and negative ratings, is under scrutiny for its management practices and their potential impact on flight safety. The allegations raise questions about the balance between airline profitability and ensuring the well-being and safety of flight crews and passengers.
Wizz Air has denied the allegations and stated that it complies with flight time limitations set by law, with the safety of employees and passengers being its highest priority. Regulatory authorities, such as the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency, oversee the airline’s operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding working conditions and safety in the aviation industry.
