Ryanair flight bound for Prestwick Airport forced to divert after 'fuel emergency'

A Ryanair flight bound for Scotland was forced to divert to Manchester due to a “fuel emergency”.

An investigation is under way after a flight travelling to Prestwick Airport in Glasgow from the Italian city of Pisa on October 3 issued a “fuel Mayday”.

It was forced to make an emergency landing in Manchester after the cockpit crew issued a 7700 squawk code – the alert for a general emergency.

The flight had attempted to land unsuccessfully at Prestwick and Edinburgh airports.

It came amid strong winds from Storm Amy, which disrupted the country, particularly in the west of Scotland.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Ryanair reported this to the relevant authorities on Friday, October 3.

“As this is now the subject of an ongoing investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, we are unable to comment.”

A Flightrader24 statement read: “FR3418 from Pisa to Prestwick diverting to Manchester after landing attempts at Prestwick and Edinburgh.

“Squawking 7700 likely due to declaring a fuel emergency.”

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is now reviewing the incident: “The AAIB has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving an aircraft which was diverted from Prestwick to Manchester Airport on Friday October 3.

“AAIB Inspectors have begun making enquiries and gathering evidence.”