The effect of workload and time pressure on cabin crews in aviation on safety

The aviation industry is a high-risk sector characterized by intense operational sensitivity. Cabin crew members play a vital role in ensuring flight safety in this demanding environment. Their operational responsibilities are shaped by high workloads and time pressure, which directly influence individual performance, decision-making processes, and, consequently, flight safety. This thesis comprehensively examines the effects of workload and time pressure experienced by cabin crew on aviation safety. In this study, a qualitative research method was adopted, and semi-structured interview forms were used as the data collection tool. To increase the reliability of the study, preliminary interviews were conducted with four senior flight attendants, and the interview questions were revised accordingly. In the main data collection phase, interviews were conducted with a total of 20 participants, including 10 senior flight attendants and 10 flight attendants working at five different Istanbul-based airline companies. The obtained data were analyzed using MAXQDA 24, a qualitative data analysis software. During the coding process, open and descriptive codes were created based on themes expressed by the participants. Relationships between codes were established, and the analysis was deepened through tools such as the "code relations browser," "word cloud," and "coded documents" offered by the software. As a result of the coding, six main themes were identified: "experience," "organizational factors," "psychological factors," "safety behavior," "time pressure," and "workload." The analysis showed that stress factors experienced by cabin crew during flights play a significant role in shaping safety-related behavior. This study offers valuable contributions to the literature by focusing on how operational burdens impact safety in the aviation context. However, due to the limited number of participants and the specific time frame of the research, the findings cannot be generalized. Nonetheless, the results provide important insights for airline companies in developing strategic human resource policies and fostering a strong safety culture.