An investigation has been launched after a Ryanair flight came within six minutes of running out of fuel mid-air. The flight, operated by Malta Air on behalf of Ryanair, was travelling from Pisa, Italy, to Glasgow Prestwick Airport on 3 October when it issued a fuel Mayday and made an emergency landing in Manchester.
The incident occurred as Storm Amy brought winds of up to 100mph, causing transport chaos across the UK. The cockpit crew issued a 7700 squawk code, a general emergency alert, after several unsuccessful attempts to land at Prestwick and Edinburgh. The plane eventually diverted to Manchester, landing safely almost two hours after the first go-around at Prestwick.
The flight reportedly landed with just 220kg of fuel remaining, enough for only five or six minutes of flying time. This is below the final reserve fuel, the absolute minimum considered safe for flight. For a Boeing 737-800, the type used, regulations require at least 30 minutes of fuel remaining.
Passenger Alexander Marchi, who arrived 10 hours late, described the ordeal: 'After leaving late from Pisa due to a strike and protesters on the tarmac, we were worried we wouldn't get to Prestwick before the storm. The plane circled, attempted to land twice but pulled up sharply each time. We realised how bad it was after landing at Manchester with almost no fuel.'
A Ryanair spokesman confirmed the incident has been reported to authorities and is under investigation, adding that the airline is cooperating fully. The views expressed by passengers are their own and do not reflect those of the airline.
