U
User0001
Guest
I'm bewildered why aircraft from LGW opt for MAN over STN or was STN foggy too?
All to do with handling agreements.
MAN is a base for Virgin, so, makes sense to head here where the facilities to handle you are, especially as all your staff will be present and counted since you have 2 flights departing at the time it diverted, instead of a airport where you are put on low priority as you are operating into a non-served station. Handlers will often just get to you when they can, as opposed to a served station where you have dedicated staff and crew to take the aircraft out if hours are reached.
The same is said for BA, hence the BA477 diverting here, and the B777 the other day.
Hong Kong Airlines have a handling contract at MAN, so, in the eventuality that a divert is needed, MAN is the main priority.
Its worth noting, that the Hong Kong flight did not even attempt LGW this morning, it turned north just after AMS, and circled MAN a few times before landing. Its since gone back to LGW at 14:00