A flight carrying Isabelle Lundqvist from London to Gothenburg on Monday was diverted to Oslo after failing to land on two attempts due to storm Dave.
“You could really feel the wind pulling and tugging at the plane. People on the flight were a little panicked. You receive worried, it feels in your stomach when it goes up and down. And we were so close to the ground, just a few meters away,” Lundqvist said.
Lundqvist had read about the storm prior to her flight but received no indication from Ryanair that the winds would impact her travel plans. She stated that the severity of the situation became clear only after the first failed landing attempt.
According to flygexpert Jan Ohlsson, pilots may be forced to divert flights due to wind conditions, particularly when there is a risk the aircraft will not be able to brake in time.
“Pilots can’t attempt to land an unlimited number of times. Aircraft always have reserve fuel planned for a couple of landing attempts, after which they must be able to fly on to an alternative airport where the weather is better,” Ohlsson explained.
Ohlsson emphasized that the decision to abort a landing or change course is based on both safety and passenger reassurance. He further explained that unpredictable winds, especially side and downbursts, pose significant challenges. “If you come down and have this type of unsettling wind, either horizontally or vertically, you risk entering the runway too far. Then you won’t have time to brake, or you’ll land too hard and damage the aircraft,” he said.
Lundqvist’s diversion to Oslo resulted in a nine-hour delay. While acknowledging the disruption, she expressed uncertainty about whether the flight should have been canceled altogether, noting that other planes had successfully landed at Gothenburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flight to be diverted?
The flight was diverted to Oslo due to storm Dave, which created unsafe wind conditions for landing at Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport.
How many landing attempts were made?
The pilot attempted to land the plane twice before deciding to divert to Oslo.
What did the flygexpert say about the decision to divert?
The flygexpert, Jan Ohlsson, explained that pilots must consider safety and passenger comfort when deciding whether to divert a flight and that aircraft have limited fuel for multiple landing attempts.
Given the potential for unpredictable weather to disrupt travel plans, how do you weigh the risks and benefits of proceeding with a flight versus seeking an alternative?
