Does weather trump everything else?

SunflowerVelo

Our flight to Limoges was diverted to Toulouse as a result of ice on the runway. It was initially announced onboard as if we would then return to Limoges once the runway was clear. However on landing we were asked to disembark and told coaches would be arranged back to Limoges. No vouchers provided at an point, and information only provided onboard in English (French speakers needed to find other passengers to translate for them). Once the passengers were off, the plane took off and flew to pick up in Limoges. The reason, we assume, for that was that they would have had to refuel in Toulouse to take off with a full plane, and they didn't want to do that. Communication was practically non-existent, and nothing other than the coaches was arranged. We arrived at Limoges more than 6 hours after schedule… does the fact that the initial problem was weather trump that they didn't refuel the plane in Toulouse, which would have reduced the delay considerably

Mark_d

The weather circumstances were beyond the airline's control.  And the airline did ultimately get you to your destination, so what is your issue?   If you needed food/refreshments and these were not provided, then you should be able to claim reimbursement from the airline.  Maybe your travel insurance pays out for travel delay?

Westin

Although not disclosed I think this might have been RyanAir flight FR8776 on 20 December from Stansted.

The aircraft seemed to circle Limoges (LIG) 5 times, presumably whilst the airport tried to clear the runway. After that and as you experienced, the aircraft diverted to Toulouse (TLS).  

Arrival in TLS was 08:35 and the aircraft did not depart back towards LIG until 11:53, finally arriving at 12:32. 

The return flight then with a delayed departure of 13:43 back to Stansted.

I'm not sure why the flight terminated in TLS and passengers bused to LIG but I doubt RyanAir made that call lightly. It would have cost them a considerable amount in coach transfers.

An unfortunate delay and situation but as it seems weather (and safety) was a determining factor in the initial diversion then I think you are out of luck if hoping for a compo payout.

eskbanker

SunflowerVelo said:

Once the passengers were off, the plane took off and flew to pick up in Limoges. The reason, we assume, for that was that they would have had to refuel in Toulouse to take off with a full plane, and they didn't want to do that. Communication was practically non-existent, and nothing other than the coaches was arranged. We arrived at Limoges more than 6 hours after schedule… does the fact that the initial problem was weather trump that they didn't refuel the plane in Toulouse, which would have reduced the delay considerably

What actual data supports your assumption that refuelling played any role in their operational decisions?  Even if this was the case, that doesn't necessarily mean that they'd be entitled to decline compensation claims - have they done so?

SunflowerVelo

Initial response from Ryanair was that it was circumstances beyond their control. I agree that the decisions would not be made lightly. But the original plane landed at Limoges approximately two and a half  hours before the coaches (or double the schedule flight time between Stansted and Limoges). I am not a flight planner, hence asking the question... Does Ryanair have a suitable justification for that additional delay... Clearly it was reasonable and safe to not land if the runway was reported unsafe... And reasonable to divert. Initial announcement prior to landing seemed to suggest we would fly to Limoges. Upon landing we were told to disembark and that coaches would be arranged. No further guidance was given

Westin

SunflowerVelo said:

Initial response from Ryanair was that it was circumstances beyond their control. I agree that the decisions would not be made lightly. But the original plane landed at Limoges approximately two and a half  hours before the coaches (or double the schedule flight time between Stansted and Limoges). I am not a flight planner, hence asking the question... Does Ryanair have a suitable justification for that additional delay... Clearly it was reasonable and safe to not land if the runway was reported unsafe... And reasonable to divert. Initial announcement prior to landing seemed to suggest we would fly to Limoges. Upon landing we were told to disembark and that coaches would be arranged. No further guidance was given

Presumably, YES, but that is something only RyanAir Operations/Flight Deck will be privy to.

SunflowerVelo said:

Initial response from Ryanair was that it was circumstances beyond their control. I agree that the decisions would not be made lightly. But the original plane landed at Limoges approximately two and a half  hours before the coaches (or double the schedule flight time between Stansted and Limoges). I am not a flight planner, hence asking the question... Does Ryanair have a suitable justification for that additional delay... Clearly it was reasonable and safe to not land if the runway was reported unsafe... And reasonable to divert. Initial announcement prior to landing seemed to suggest we would fly to Limoges. Upon landing we were told to disembark and that coaches would be arranged. No further guidance was given

I don’t work for the airline but my guess would be that RyanAir organised onward travel to Limoges because at the time they were not aware when Limoges would reopen the runway and accept flights.  If they did nothing and made everyone sit on the aircraft or in the terminal waiting for a undeterminable amount of time then many would see that as being wrong as well. Perhaps they couldn’t win.

I’m not sure what ‘further guidance’ you had hoped for.  Coaches arranged by the airline ground handler. When coaches arrive, get on them.  I don’t wish to sound harsh, but there is little in the way a low cost carrier can do in hand-holding when a short notice flight diversion occurs.

A much longer travel day than expected and extra aggravation - but it seems a necessary diversion given the circumstances.  

mdann52

Westin said:

I don’t work for the airline but my guess would be that RyanAir organised onward travel to Limoges because at the time they were not aware when Limoges would reopen the runway and accept flights.  

It could well also be that due to the ice and weather conditions, the airplane with passengers was too heavy to land, but was able to without the extra weight of passengers/baggage on board. There's airports where this happens regularly in bad weather (Florence comes to mind)