Ryanair Boeing 737 criss-crossed between UK deviation airports

MANCHESTER - A Ryanair flight from Pisa to Glasgow Prestwick Airport met stormy weather at its destination. The crew took extra fuel to allow for eventual delays and diversions, criss-crossed between alternative airports - and finally made it to Manchester at below-minimum fuel levels.

Pisa Airport, 3 October 2025: Ryanair 3418 is bound for Glasgow. The captain takes an additional 1,322 kilograms of jet fuel to allow for eventual diversions due to "Storm Amy" at the destination. With 11,500 kilograms of fuel in the tanks, the aircraft leaves Pisa with a total reserve of 1,937 kilograms.

The first landing attempt at Glasgow was unsuccessful due to windshear. "In case of missed approach again, we go straightforward to Manchester," the pilots told ATC according to the AAIB report (PDF).

Indeed, the crew had cancel the second approach into Glasgow due to winds, too, but was met with an unexpected ATC update. "During the routing to the hold, ATC stated that Manchester was unable to accept their diversion request, but no explanation was given as to why the request had been refused," the AAIB said.

The flight diverted to Edinburgh but could not land there neither due to gusts. The crew declared "mayday mayday mayday fuel" to ATC and requested for an immediate diversion to Manchester. Ryanair 3418 touched down at Manchester 1:45 hour after the first go-around - and with only 363 kilograms of fuel remaining.

Manchester Airport reiterates diversion policies

According the the AAIB, the reason behind the initially denied diversion into Manchester "was of a lack of handling capacity". This reason was not passed to the pilots.

"Following this serious incident, Manchester Airport reiterated to stakeholders its policy of accepting diversion requests if the airport has the capacity to receive the aircraft and that the decision on accepting the diversion does not rest with the handling agent," the AAIB said.