Join Date: Jun 2006
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LH731 (14 July) HKG-MUC diverted to Budapest. Need your advice!
Anyone was on that flight? The plane was supposed to land at MUC at 0545hrs on 15 July but it diverted to BUD at 0505hrs for refueling since the plane took longer route to avoid the stormy area around south China region after taking off, but after spending half an hour filling up the gas at BUD the plane was unable to pushback for departure since BUD Airport did not have the specific towbar for A340 aircraft to pushback. Passengers were asked to get off the plane to wait 5 hours at the terminal for the towbar to be sent by another plane from the closest Vienna Airport. Eventually the plane took off BUD at around 1130hrs and arrived MUC at 1218hrs.
My question are:
What made the captain decide to land at BUD but not VIE? Why didn't captain know that BUD did not have the equipment for A340 aircraft to pushback?
Why didn't the plane fill up more gas in case of IROP like this? I understand fuel has weight and it's more cost effective to fill up the exact amount of gas to be used, but for such a big aircraft A340 carrying 310+ passengers and crew members, does it really hurt to fill up a little bit more gas? I understand the delay was initiated by weather issue, but at last it was more likely to be a technical/mechanical issue. What's my right? Do I deserve a compensation from LH and how? Thanks for any words of wisdom in advance!