A Study on Fatigue Management and Well-being of Ground Staffs in Coimbatore Airport

Abstract

Fatigue among aviation ground staff poses significant operational and safety risks, particularly in high-demand airport environments characterized by shift work and irregular schedules. This empirical study investigates the relationship between fatigue management practices and psychological well-being among ground staff employed at Coimbatore International Airport, Tamil Nadu, India. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model and Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) principles, the study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 210 ground staff members across ramp operations, baggage handling, passenger services, and security coordination units. Data were collected using standardized instruments measuring occupational fatigue, sleep quality, burnout, safety climate, and psychological well-being. Statistical analysis using correlation and regression models revealed that fatigue significantly predicts reduced well-being. The findings highlight the urgent need for systematic fatigue management policies in regional Indian airports. The study contributes to aviation human factors research by addressing a gap in ground staff-specific literature within the Indian context.