Diversions
 

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here goes.

In the event of an aircraft needing to divert who makes the decision. For example, if its a non-emergency situation (perhaps destination airport is fogbound, or runway is closed) who decides on the destination, and what factors are considered. Is it Airline Ops, the pilot or ATC?

Secondly, in the event of emergency/technical diversions, who decides which handling agent/engineering company deals with the flight (presuming the airline doesnt already serve the airport they have landed at?)

RTG!

RTG,
The a/c has a "pre-planned" diversion [or two].
eg, If an a/c is planned into MAN, he will have certain fuel reserves. If MAN has bad weather, and the "forecast" fuel burn will eat into his reserve, then he will divert...usually to LPL,BHX or LBA
bb

G'day RTG,

The ultimate decision is the Captain's. However other considerations come into the process, if it's a weather related diversion you can bet there will be other aeroplanes diverrting as well so in that case the local controlling authority will usually tell you where you are going as the various airports fill up quickly. If it is a technical problem the liaison with your company is necessary to determine where the best support will be, there may be several options. If it is a medical problem with pax or crew then usually the nearest available airport dependent on the facilities in that location.

In the event a diversion is carried out by an airliner then the operating company should take care of all the ground support requirements. Most airlines have service arrangements with each other to deal with these events.

Regards,
BH.

Thanks for the answers, I was wondering how it all worked!

I knew that flight plans included alternative airports, but I had never really worked out how the crew chose one over another.

Thanks

RTG!