The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of the United Kingdom has released a report concerning an incident involving a TUI Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which landed at Birmingham Airport with fuel levels below the final reserve. The situation arose after the flight crew executed a go-around at their diversion airport.
On December 21, 2023, the TUI Boeing 787-8, registered as G-TUIB, faced “significant weather disruption” due to high winds while attempting to land at Manchester Airport. Following a holding pattern near Manchester, the captain decided to divert to East Midlands Airport. However, capacity issues there led the aircraft to Birmingham Airport instead. A wind shear alert on approach prompted the crew to declare a fuel emergency and land with insufficient reserve fuel.
“Safety action in relation to diversions and aircraft emergencies has been implemented by both EMA and BHX following their own internal investigations,” stated the AAIB report. These actions include improving communication regarding airport capacity for diversions and prioritizing emergency-declared aircraft.
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.
