A TUI flight carrying 300 passengers had a terrifying ordeal after almost running out of fuel mid-air, prompting a distress call from the pilot. The Boeing 787 originating from Mexico and bound for Manchester was forced to divert to Birmingham airport due to dangerously low fuel levels. The incident occurred on December 20, 2023, when the flight, TOM173, departed from Cancun for an overnight journey to Manchester. Despite loading extra fuel before take-off to account for adverse weather conditions, the aircraft was found to be 35% below the recommended final reserve fuel limit upon landing in Birmingham.
The pilots were made aware of strong winds in the UK prior to departure, with the expectation that the weather conditions would improve by the time of their scheduled landing. However, as they approached Manchester Airport at 7.18am, they were instructed to circle above due to seven other planes awaiting clearance. The control tower informed them of uncertain landing timing due to the delays and the challenging wind speeds reaching up to 32mph with gusts of 47mph. Realising the fuel situation was becoming critical, the crew contemplated diverting to East Midlands Airport at 7.28am, only to be rejected due to the size of their aircraft.
With the clock ticking and their fuel reserves rapidly depleting, the pilot made the crucial decision to divert the flight to Birmingham Airport at 7.41am. The aircraft was in a precarious state, carrying only enough fuel to sustain it for about 20 more minutes of flight time. The intense situation escalated further as they attempted to land amidst gusts of 43mph, forcing the crew to abort the landing. The pilot urgently declared a fuel emergency, signifying the severity of their predicament to air traffic control.
Eventually, the TUI flight managed to land safely in Birmingham at 8.26am, after a harrowing experience that extended the duration of the journey beyond its planned timeline. The report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) shed light on the challenges faced by the crew and the air traffic controller in balancing safety protocols and operational demands. The controller’s handling of the situation was scrutinised, highlighting missed opportunities to prioritise the distressed flight amid a complex and high workload scenario.
According to the AAIB report, the crew’s decision to load additional fuel as a precaution was based on the anticipation of inclement weather conditions, which ultimately led to a limited margin of safety during the flight. The investigation emphasised the critical importance of clear communication and prioritisation in emergency situations to ensure the swift and effective response needed to avert potential disasters. Safety measures have since been reinforced to streamline airport capacity assessments during diversions and enhance the handling of emergency declarations by aircraft in distress.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the precision and vigilance required in aviation operations, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between a safe landing and a catastrophic event. The bravery and expertise displayed by the flight crew in navigating such a perilous situation underscore the dedication and professionalism found within the aviation industry. As passengers disembarked from the flight, they were undoubtedly grateful for the skill and composure exhibited by the pilots and crew, ensuring their safety amidst a high-stakes emergency in the skies.