Maxjet/eos

[ManchesterMan]

I see that two Maxjet B767'S and an EOS B757 diverted
to Manchester this morning because of poor RVR.
Bit of a strange choice of diversionary airport!
Was there no nearer available?

MM

[Rainboe]

Actual diversions can be very different to fuel planned diversions. Very often nearer alternates are available, but ATC won't allow them because of space considerations. In a 747 holding at LHR once, instead of being allowed to divert to MAN, the nearest we could get clearance for was PIK, on lowish fuel. MAN was 'reserved for narrowbodies', BHX was fogged. So 32 widebodies ended up in PIK, some desperately low on fuel. That's why pilots like lots of extra when there's fog about!

[Musket90]

Both LGW and LHR were in low vis for a time this morning, so MAN probably preferred diversion.

[Off Stand]

We circled over LGW for an hour or more this morning in a 777, Capt told me after we landed that we were considering BHX or STN as a divert.