"There simply isn't enough margin on bucket-and-spede tickets to allow for aircraft to carry an abundance of fuel each trip 'just in case'."
Says who? On routes down to the Balearics and Iberian Peninsula there is plenty of capacity to cart additional fuel if so desired, and we have full authority to take what we feel is suitable when the conditions dictate, NO QUESTIONS!
The fact that these aircraft needed to "declare an emergency" would most likely be due to the fact that having held a while prior to diverting, or having flown a missed approach prior to diverting, then finding that their divert is suffering similar nasty conditions and having to divert again, combined with lots of other aircraft diverting left right and centre would cause ATC meltdown! The best way of making sure that you aren't then caught with your pants down is to ensure ATC are fully aware of your situation and to get yourself some sort of priority.
In answer to the original question, this is absolutely sensationalist reporting designed to do nothing other than attract readers regardless if any damage that the story could do to a companies reputation.