TUI Boeing 787 lands with low fuel after diversion complications

Before departure from Cancun International Airport bound for Manchester, additional fuel was loaded onto the aircraft, providing about 15 extra minutes of flight time. The crew misjudged that high winds would subside over Manchester before arrival. When conditions did not improve, they were instructed by Manchester Radar to hold due to congestion.

At East Midlands Airport's refusal due to size constraints, Birmingham confirmed acceptance of the diversion. During this process, the minimum required fuel for diversion was calculated at 3,366 kg (7,420 lbs). However, encountering another wind shear warning one nautical mile from landing in Birmingham necessitated a missed approach and mayday declaration.

The AAIB noted that “the controller was facing a complex and high workload scenario” during this event but acknowledged efforts made by all parties involved in managing minimum fuel situations effectively. New safety measures have been established for clarifying diversion procedures and prioritizing emergency-declared flights.

East Midlands' Centre Control Room will now communicate its capacity more clearly with ATC. Meanwhile, Birmingham ATC issued guidance emphasizing priority handling for emergency-declared flights and potential runway sterilization if necessary.