Originally Posted by
FlyXLsa
Why did this British Airways 777 divert to Baku when they were actually closer to Tehran?
Perhaps their engine shutdown was precautionary, and the gain in time marginal. On top of that it can be the crew was more familiar with Baku than Tehran.
Nearest suitable doesn't necessarily mean to spiral down to the nearest strip underneath if there are other (safer) options available in the immediate area.
170 NM is a little over 20 minutes to landing, which is pretty tight for a decent approach preparation into a diversion airfield. As long as nothing is burning, time is your friend..