Ryanair Flight Nearly Runs Out of Fuel After Storm Diversion
UPDATE: A Ryanair flight is under urgent investigation after nearly running out of fuel during a harrowing journey impacted by Storm Amy. Flight 3418, which departed from Pisa, Italy, on October 3, 2023, faced three failed landing attempts at Glasgow Prestwick Airport before diverting to Manchester—175 miles away.
The dramatic incident unfolded as the UK’s Met Office issued severe weather warnings, with winds at Prestwick reaching up to 50 mph. Passengers onboard were left in shock as their flight, scheduled to land at 6:15 p.m., did not touch down until approximately 9:00 p.m. in Manchester, leading to a delayed arrival of nearly 10 hours.
Just moments before landing, the flight’s technical log indicated a critical situation, showing only 220 kg of fuel remaining—enough for just five to six minutes of flying. As reported by The Guardian, two unsuccessful landing attempts at Prestwick forced the aircraft to circle before heading to Edinburgh, where conditions remained unsafe due to winds over 30 mph.
The flight’s passengers faced additional distress, as they were transported by coach from Manchester to their intended destination, Prestwick, arriving at 4:15 a.m. the following day. One passenger, Alexander Marchi, expressed concerns about the ordeal, highlighting the anxiety felt on board during the tense moments leading up to the landing.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed that it is conducting an investigation into this serious incident. An AAIB spokesperson stated,
“AAIB Inspectors have begun making enquiries and gathering evidence.”
Ryanair responded to the situation, confirming they reported the incident immediately and are fully cooperating with ongoing investigations. As the public awaits further details, this incident raises significant questions about flight safety during adverse weather conditions.
Passengers and aviation experts alike are now watching closely as authorities dive deeper into the circumstances surrounding this alarming near-miss. What happens next will be crucial not just for those affected but for the aviation industry as a whole. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
