Airline Pilots Report High Rates of Anxiety, Alcohol Misuse

French survey finds more than one-third meet the standard for ‘risky alcohol use.’

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, June 04, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Pilots in a cockpit. [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

A survey of French airline pilots revealed high rates of mental health concerns, with 40% reporting alcohol misuse, 25% experiencing anxiety, and 13% exhibiting depressive symptoms.
Socioeconomic stress and demanding flight schedules (multiple daily trips) were identified as factors increasing pilots' risk for anxiety, while depressed pilots were more likely to misuse alcohol.
A significant barrier to pilots seeking help is the fear of losing their license, with 28% unwilling to report psychological problems to employers or agencies.
The study highlights the critical need for preventative mental health programs and confidential support systems that allow pilots to address issues without career repercussions.

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A recent survey of airline pilots in France turned up high rates of self-described anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse.

Researchers recruited 1,220 airline pilots from the French pilots union SNPL and had them fill out a questionnaire focusing on their mental health and well-being. The results, published in Frontiers in Public Health in May, showed more than one-third of the pilots (40 percent) misused alcohol in the last year, though less than 1 percent described themselves as dependent.