Ryanair Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Fuel Crisis

A Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Manchester on October 3, 2023, after its crew issued a “Mayday” call due to low fuel levels. The incident occurred during a flight from Pisa, Italy, to Prestwick Airport in Glasgow, and it has prompted an investigation by aviation authorities.

The aircraft, operated by Malta Air on behalf of Ryanair, was reportedly six minutes away from running out of fuel when it landed safely. Prior to the emergency landing, the flight attempted to land at Prestwick and Edinburgh airports but was unsuccessful. The cockpit crew activated a 7700 squawk code, signaling a general emergency, which guided air traffic control to prioritize their landing in Manchester.

Passengers aboard the flight experienced significant anxiety as events unfolded. Alexander Marchi, a passenger on the flight, described the chaos that began even before takeoff. A general strike in Pisa had led to protesters invading the tarmac, causing a delayed departure. Marchi recounted, “After leaving late from Pisa because of a general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport, we were worried that we wouldn’t get to Prestwick before the storm hit.”

The flight encountered turbulence as it approached its destination. Marchi noted that the plane circled multiple times before its first landing attempt, which was aborted almost immediately. “We were told we would try one more time or we’d have to go to Manchester. The second time it was a very bumpy ride, and we almost reached the tarmac, but at the last minute, we pulled up very sharply,” he added.

Upon landing in Manchester, the aircraft had only 220 kg of fuel remaining—enough for just five or six more minutes of flight. This alarming situation highlighted the urgency of the crew’s decision to divert to Manchester. Passengers expressed relief upon arrival, with many eager to disembark and decompress after the ordeal.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Ryanair confirmed that the airline reported the situation to the relevant authorities on the same day. “As this is now the subject of an ongoing investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, we are unable to comment further,” the spokesperson stated.

The incident raises questions about flight safety protocols and fuel management, particularly under challenging circumstances like those experienced on this flight. As the investigation continues, further details may emerge regarding the factors that led to the emergency situation.