Ryanair flight forced to divert mid-air over 'unexpected closure'

A Ryanair flight was forced to divert due to an unexpected airport closure. Flight FR5448 was travelling from Seville, Spain, to Nantes, France, on Monday when it encountered the problem and changed course to Brest Bretagne Airport.

The flight took off routinely at 5.25pm local time and proceeded normally towards the destination, where it was due to arrive at 7.10pm. However, the flight crew were forced to divert the journey as the runway at Nantes Airport closed unexpectedly, the airline said.

After two hours and 40 minutes in the air, the plane successfully landed in Brest, where they were given priority handling to ensure a smooth arrival.

Reports claimed that the flight suffered a fuel emergency during the diversion, but the budget airline confirmed that fuel levels remain in compliance with all requirements.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “This flight from Seville to Nantes (6 Jul) diverted to Brest following the unexpected closure of Nantes Airport’s runway.

“As a result of the diversion, the flight crew requested priority handling into Brest to facilitate a timely arrival. The aircraft landed safely with fuel levels remaining above final reserve fuel and in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

“Passengers remained onboard the aircraft and departed for Nantes at 23:10 local time.”