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Report: Ryanair didn't fly with low fuel

Thursday, September 20 14:57:33

Authorities in Spain have cleared Ryanair of accusations that it flew several aiorcraft without enough fuel in their tanks, compromising passenger safety.

Today's report into three emergency landings due to low fuel by Ryanair planes at Valencia airport last July has found the aircraft involved departed with sufficient fuel for their flight plan.

The flights (from Stockholm, London and Palma to Madrid on July 26th) were diverted to Valencia after thunderstorms around Madrid caused delays. The three aircraft declared an emergency when the calculated usable fuel for landing at Valencia was less than the final reserve.

"Ryanair welcomes this report which conclusively disproves the recent false claims in the Spanish media that Ryanair's aircraft carried less than minimum fuel and/or were in breach of EU regulations," the airline said. . Ryanair also welcomed this week's joint statement of the Irish and Spanish Transport Ministries which confirmed that "Ryanair's safety standards are on a par with the safest airlines in Europe".

The Irish Aviation Authority's (IAA) report, released by Ryanair, found the crew followed EU safety guidelines and the aircraft had fuel "in excess of flight plan requirements" when they departed for Madrid.

The IAA said although the crew diverted to Valencia with fuel "in excess of the minimum diversion fuel depicted on the flight plan" the increased holding time south west of Madrid ahead of rerouting meant the crew "declared an emergency in accordance with EU-OPS when the calculated usable fuel for landing at Valencia was less than final reserve".