Confidential Human Factors
Incident Reporting Programme
The Charity
Aviation
Maritime
FC5416
Initial Report
Whilst operating in the cruise, a cabin crew member came in to say hello. They declared they were fasting for religious reasons. Having worked in different parts of the world I asked when they last ate or drank water, the answer being “around 0500 UK time”. The time was now around 1800 UK and therefore the crew member hadn’t eaten or drunk anything for 13 hours!
I have safety concerns as the captain of the aircraft with 260 passengers onboard. The cabin crew cannot be hydrated without water for 13 hours. Mentally and physically, this is not good. I’m aware that fasting of food can benefit us at times, but fasting without water all day will impair our judgement.
My airline needs a policy on this. Thanks.
Airline reply to CHIRP requesting a response
We recognise the sensitivity this report may have had for the reporter, and the airline has used the opportunity to review and enhance internal guidance related to fasting and the performance of safety critical roles.
CHIRP Comment
Religious fasting is a choice that should be open to all, without fear or favour. However, individual crews are required to ensure that they are fit to fly at all times during a flight in order to discharge their duties competently and professionally. This includes being adequately nourished and hydrated. Therefore, it is acceptable for crew to fast for religious purposes, but it is often discouraged in safety critical industries due to safety concerns associated with hydration. Some airlines, but not all, have specific policies that cover the subject in their Ops Manual. A crewmember may therefore choose to fast if they feel capable of operating safely. However, fasting can lead to impaired cognitive function and fatigue posing a risk to the individual as well as other crew and passengers, so it’s both a personal and safety-related decision that should involve airline approval and personal/professional judgement. This is especially the case on long haul flights when the adverse effects of dehydration will be acutely felt due to the length of time in a fundamentally unfavourable environment for fasting. If your company doesn’t have a specific policy, please submit an internal request that this is reviewed and updated with clearer policy wording, as happened in the case of the airline in question – see the Airline comment above.