Everything You Wanted to Know About Flight Diversions

Flight diversions are an unavoidable part of aviation, and while they may be frustrating for passengers, they are critical for maintaining safety and operational efficiency. Whether caused by bad weather, technical issues, or other challenges, diversions require quick thinking and seamless coordination between flight crews, air traffic control, and ground support teams. As winter weather increases the likelihood of diversions, now is a good time for a refresher on the different types of diversions, their causes, and how they are managed to minimize disruption.

A flight diversion means that an aircraft is required to land somewhere other than its original destination for a reason beyond the control of the pilot. If you have not been on a diverted flight before, consider yourself a lucky traveler. It is more common than you may realize. There is a 0.2-0.3 % chance of a flight being diverted. Multiplied by all the flights, it adds up to several hundred diversions every day. 

Diversions can be divided into three broad groups based on where the aircraft lands during a diversion. These are called air turnbacks, enroute diversions, and destination diversions.

An air turnback is a situation when the aircraft returns to its departure airport. These are often very short flights. An enroute diversion involves the aircraft landing at the closest suitable airport. In other words, the plane lands at an airport on the way, but not near its planned destination. A destination diversion means that the aircraft is diverted to an alternate airport after reaching the vicinity of its planned destination. So, it is close to the planned airport.

“Since it is winter, it is diversion season” says Petra Dlabolova, Euro Jet Operations Control Center Manager. “We are seeing more destination diversions because of nasty weather.”

Petra’s team in the Operations Control Center coordinates an extensive array of trip support services – including diversions – for over 15,000 flights per year.

“We usually handle a flight diversion about twice per week, but sometimes even more often.”

Diversion Causes and Real Examples

Now that you understand the types of diversions, let us explore the causes. Diversions are usually caused by four things: bad weather, medical emergencies, technical problems and operational issues.

As Petra said, weather is a common reason for a flight to be diverted, and storms can happen any time of the year. For example, heavy snow and poor visibility at Munich Airport can force flights to divert. In a case like this, aircraft can often land in Frankfurt, refuel, and continue once conditions improve.

Medical emergencies also qualify for diversions. When a passenger experienced a severe allergic reaction shortly after takeoff on a flight from Warsaw to New York, the flight was diverted to Gdansk, where paramedics met the aircraft. Reassuringly, flight crews are increasingly capable of handling medical emergencies.

A flight from Krakow to Milan provides an example of a technical type of diversion. The pilots received an engine-overheating alert mid-flight. As a precaution, they shut down one engine and diverted to Vienna, where they have a team of mechanics. The aircraft was inspected, no serious issue was found, and the flight later continued to Milan.

Airspace congestion or airport closures can cause diversions because of operational issues. On January 30, a glitch in Air Traffic Control systems at Belgium’s main airports caused ATC to divert some flights. Diversions can also be caused by a combination of factors.

Though she herself travels often, Petra is one of the lucky travelers who has never been on a diverted flight. But through her work with Euro Jet’s customers, she is aware of how frustrating an unexpected landing can be. “I understand how aggravating it can be to have your trip interrupted and be stuck somewhere for an extra day waiting for a rescue flight to come and get you.” 

Timeline of a Diverted Flight

A flight diversion begins with the crew receiving a flight alert about a potential diversion because of bad weather, a technical issue, or something else that affects the safety of the flight. Following the flight alert, a diversion decision needs to be made. The flight crew will assess the situation and decide on the best alternative airport for landing. This decision is based on safety, logistics and passenger needs. 

The pilot discusses it with their Operations Control Center and is advised where to go. The pilot has the final say. 

“Once that decision is made, we get a call, and the wheel starts turning for us,” says Peter Olexa, Euro Jet’s Head of Vendor Relations & Data Management. 

It is at this stage where Euro Jet can help with landing and ground handling support. The OCC team offers 24/7 operational assistance for aircraft diversions and emergency landings. Their route planning assistance spans a network of trusted alternate airports. They provide fast recovery and turnaround by supplying ground services as well as a credit line for handling, catering and jet fuel expenses. 

The final phase of a diversion is difficult to predict. It may involve a rescue flight, bus or car transport, or an overnight stay in a hotel. Two common outcomes are:

• Fuel and Go Scenario: Rapid refuelling and quick departure to the original or a new destination. 
• Full Stop Scenario: Organizing an alternate aircraft or rescue flight if the original aircraft cannot continue. This usually includes overnight accommodation in a hotel.
  
  

Delivering Seamless Diversions

“There are many possible outcomes,” cautions Peter. “It all comes down to preparation. The problem needs to be solved in advance. That is why we have the database team and operational support specialists.”

Euro Jet’s data collection team and vendor relations team are always pre-planning. They proactively cooperate with diversion locations – they do not wait until the call comes in. To prepare for these scenarios, they verify vendors and their capacity, assure that credit is available, and pre-negotiate payment terms. Because of its vast database of potential diversion locations, Euro Jet can activate the services at a moment’s notice. The team also conducts drills to make sure the vendors are ready.

While diversions are unpredictable and can be stressful for passengers, Euro Jet’s operations professionals in Prague and agents on the ground in most of Central and Eastern Europe make diversions run seamlessly.

“Our customers can trust us to provide a sense of safety and security – no matter where they land,” assures Peter. “When diverting, think of Euro Jet.”

Images: Euro Jet Archive, Shutterstock