After reviewing multiple different aviation forums in recent weeks, we have noticed that issues in regards to diverted flights have always come into question.
Importance of Considering Diverted Flights –
It seems like a majority of people are not entirely aware of all of the aspects that need to be taken into consideration once their flight is forced to make a diversion to another airport.
It is easy to think that most likely you will not experience such an incident yourself during your operations.
However, it is imperative to keep in mind that events of diversions can occur to every airline.
Thus, it is always good to be prepared for what could come.
The vital step for preparation is making sure that in your flight plan, there is a backup plan in place.
This is just in case the need for a diversion arises.
In some cases, you may need to apply for an overflight permit or a landing permit.
This is also something important that you must be aware of.
Reasons Behind Diverted Flights –
It is also important to keep in mind the reasons behind why a flight can be diverted, and the most common one being the weather.
Diversions can sometimes be inevitable due to certain weather conditions.
This highlights the importance of monitoring and predicting the weather.
Another main reason behind diversions is technical faults or difficulties.
If an aircraft faces any such issues mid-flight, it will most probably have to land to the closest place possible – depending on the severity of the issue.
Imagine a flight operating from London to Dubai, and as you are crossing Turkey – something goes wrong with the aircraft, forcing you to land in Turkey immediately.
These are circumstances that are almost impossible to predict, thinking of what could go wrong and where!
It has also become common that flights are diverted due to unruly passengers who create havoc on-board, causing the flight to make an early and unexpected stop.
Passengers could also cause a flight to divert in case of a health and safety issue occurs onboard as well, and someone is in need of immediate care.
Instances such as heart-attacks, strokes and even giving birth could occur mid-flight, and would immediately demand a diversion to the nearest place possible.
Preparing for Diverted Flights –
With all of that being mentioned, we now look into how to react to an unexpected flight diversion properly.
The main worry is what you have to deal with once you land in an airport you have not planned for at all.
All of a sudden, you have the unexpected landing, handling and possibly fuel fees on your plate.
Who will be paying all of these costs and how?
How do you know who to contact and which company to work with?
These are questions that you have got to answer in a short period.
In such cases, you might just be fortunate to have been working with a flight support company beforehand.
The flight support company will more than likely be able to take care of these issues for you and save you all the trouble and headache.
Flight support companies are more than likely to have facilities and contacts in locations all around the world.
In case an unexpected diversion occurs – they will more than likely have a connection in that particular location.
That connection will likely be able to take care of all the services required for the flight.
A Case of Diverted Flights –
As reported by the Telegraph back in 2012, an Air France flight that experienced an unexpected diversion into Damascus, Syria.
Upon landing at the airport, the aircraft was refused fueling services.
Financial sanctions forced on the country were the reason behind rejecting the company credit card.
The plane captain ended up asking passengers on the flight to help chip-in to raise enough money for fueling.
Quite an odd one, to say the least!
We just have to mention as well, the value that Flock will bring to you and anyone else that is experiencing an unexpected flight diversion.
Wherever you land in the world, you can always go on Flock and search for all the local handlers in the area and be able to contact them directly through the convenience of Flock, all for free.
We’re here for you
As always – if you have any questions or suggestions, Flock team is here to help at support@flock.aero.
Visit flock.aero if you are looking for business information on airports and providers around the world.
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