For many nervous flyers, few moments are more unnerving than hearing the captain announce, “We’re diverting to another airport” or feeling the aircraft climb back into the sky just before landing. The heart races. The mind spins. Was something wrong? Is the plane unsafe? Are we in danger? But here’s the truth: diversions and go-arounds are not signs of failure. They are not emergencies. They are planned, trained-for, and entirely procedural responses to changing conditions — often made well before safety is ever compromised. In fact, when a pilot executes a diversion or a go-around, they are doing the safest, most professional thing possible. This article will explain exactly why these events happen, what they mean for the flight, and why they are overwhelmingly a sign of caution — not crisis.
What a Diversion Really Means
A diversion simply means that the aircraft is no longer flying to its originally scheduled destination — either temporarily or permanently — and is instead rerouting to another airport. This can happen for dozens of reasons, and none of them necessarily indicate danger or malfunction. In fact, many diversions are made when everything on the aircraft is functioning perfectly. A diversion is the aviation equivalent of taking an earlier motorway exit because of a traffic jam up ahead. It’s about anticipation and risk reduction, not reacting to a catastrophe.
There are two main types of diversions: pre-landing and en-route. A pre-landing diversion might happen when the aircraft is already on approach but weather at the destination deteriorates below minimum requirements. An en-route diversion can happen mid-flight — if a passenger requires medical attention, if a technical irregularity needs inspection, or if conditions at the destination change.
It’s important to understand that airline pilots do not “just land” wherever is closest. The diversion decision involves numerous factors: weather, runway length, fuel planning, air traffic control availability, airport facilities, and company protocol. The goal is always the same — to get the aircraft on the ground safely, efficiently, and with all contingencies accounted for.
Common Reasons for Diversion
Contrary to popular belief, diversions are rarely caused by emergencies. Here are some of the most common, routine reasons for flight diversions:
Weather: The number one cause. If fog, wind shear, thunderstorms, or snow reduce visibility or safety margins at the destination, a diversion is initiated long before landing becomes dangerous. Medical Issues: If a passenger or crew member suffers a medical emergency, the pilots will divert to the nearest suitable airport with medical facilities — even if the aircraft is technically fine. Air Traffic Control Delays: Occasionally, congestion, staff shortages, or closures at the destination airport require diversions to avoid excessive holding times or fuel concerns. Runway or Airport Closures: If an aircraft becomes disabled on the runway, or if operations are suspended due to security alerts, flights may be rerouted. Technical Checks: If a fault is detected mid-flight — such as an irregular sensor reading, pressurisation fluctuation, or systems fault — the aircraft may divert for a precautionary inspection. Fuel Strategy: If the aircraft encounters stronger-than-expected headwinds or must hold longer than planned, fuel calculations may require a diversion to ensure regulatory reserves are met.
None of these scenarios equate to an imminent emergency. They’re all examples of forward-thinking, systems-led decision-making based on pre-set criteria.
What Happens During a Diversion
When a diversion is initiated, the pilots notify Air Traffic Control and request routing to the new destination. This is coordinated seamlessly — the airspace is cleared, the new airport is informed, and the descent begins. The cabin crew are updated, and in most cases, passengers are informed only after the new destination is confirmed.
Pilots assess factors including fuel status, terrain, weather at alternates, and any airspace restrictions. They may also coordinate with the airline’s operations centre to arrange ground handling and refuelling at the diversion airport.
If the diversion is for a medical emergency, the priority is speed — and the pilots will select the airport that offers the shortest safe route, regardless of location or logistics. In those cases, emergency services are dispatched to meet the aircraft on arrival.
If the diversion is due to weather or airfield availability, the selection of alternates is pre-planned. Every commercial flight is required to nominate at least one alternate airport before takeoff — and often more, depending on route and forecast conditions. These alternates are chosen based on runway suitability, approach systems, and the ability to accommodate the flight safely.
For passengers, the result is usually a smooth landing at a different airport, a short delay while ground logistics are arranged, and then either a refuelling and continuation or a transfer to another flight.
Diversions Are Proof of Discipline, Not Danger
There is a common misconception that diversions are a sign something has gone wrong. But in truth, they’re one of the strongest indicators that the aviation system works exactly as it should. Every commercial airline operates under strict rules known as Minimum Equipment Lists, fuel reserves, and operational limits.
If weather is below landing minimums, the aircraft must divert. If a medical situation arises, the aircraft must prioritise safety. If a technical discrepancy appears, even if minor, the aircraft may land early to ensure it’s inspected before continuing.
These are not panic moves. They are checklists. And they are designed to kick in long before any genuine danger appears.
In fact, the vast majority of diversions result in uneventful landings, followed by either a minor delay or rebooking. What’s important is that these decisions are proactive — designed to maintain a wide safety margin, not respond to the erosion of one.
What a Go-Around Really Means
A go-around is when the aircraft is lined up for landing but the pilots decide not to touch down, instead applying power and climbing away for another approach. For the untrained passenger, this can feel sudden — the plane is moments from the runway, then unexpectedly begins climbing again. But a go-around is not an emergency. It’s one of the most routine, trained-for procedures in aviation.
The decision to go around can be made by the pilots or instructed by air traffic control. It’s not a sign of failure — it’s a safety decision made to ensure every landing is stabilised, legal, and safe.
Modern aircraft and pilots are trained to perform go-arounds at any point prior to touchdown, including right above the runway threshold. The procedure is designed to be safe, repeatable, and completely under control.
Why Pilots Perform Go-Arounds
There are many reasons a go-around might be executed, and none of them imply that the aircraft or crew are in distress.
Unstable Approach: If the aircraft is too fast, too high, or not fully configured (e.g. flaps, gear) at a certain point on final approach, the pilots must go around. Stability criteria are defined in advance and are non-negotiable. Weather Changes: If a sudden gust of wind, low visibility, or wind shear is detected near the runway, the safest course of action is to climb away and wait for conditions to improve. Runway Not Clear: If another aircraft is still on the runway or ATC hasn’t given landing clearance, the pilots will go around — no matter how close they are to touching down. Birds, Wildlife, or Obstacles: If pilots see birds or other obstructions near the touchdown zone, they will initiate a go-around immediately. Traffic Separation: If air traffic control needs more spacing between aircraft, they may instruct a go-around to ensure safe intervals. Autopilot or Instrument Anomaly: If a navigation system or instrument gives conflicting readings during final approach, the pilots will go around and assess before attempting another landing.
In all cases, the goal is precision, not haste. A safe landing is one where every parameter is within limits — and a go-around is simply the tool used to achieve that standard.
What a Go-Around Looks and Feels Like
To passengers, a go-around can feel like a sudden surge in engine thrust, followed by a steep climb away from the runway. It may be accompanied by gear retraction and a banked turn. The aircraft feels like it’s reversing course — because it is.
What you may not hear is the pilots immediately declaring “go-around” to each other, setting takeoff thrust, rotating the aircraft nose up, and confirming the missed approach altitude on the autopilot.
This sequence is identical to a normal takeoff — except that it’s initiated after the final approach leg. The aircraft is still under full control. The engines are within limits. The speed is safe. The climb is smooth.
Once airborne again, the crew communicates with ATC and receives vectors (heading and altitude instructions) for a second approach. The entire process is calm, professional, and exactly what the simulator training is designed to replicate.
What Passengers Can Expect After a Go-Around or Diversion
In the case of a go-around, the aircraft will circle back for a second approach, often landing just 10 to 15 minutes later. Cabin crew may make an announcement to reassure passengers. If a diversion follows, ground staff will coordinate baggage, connections, and onward travel.
In rare cases, multiple go-arounds may be required — especially if weather conditions are variable or traffic is heavy. Even then, pilots are monitoring fuel levels, flight time limitations, and alternates. You are not drifting without a plan — you are executing a pre-scripted, regulated, and expertly managed sequence.
If you’re diverted to a different city, the airline will make arrangements. Inconvenient, yes — but dangerous? Not at all.
Diversions and Go-Arounds as Seen by Pilots
For pilots, a diversion or a go-around is never an ego bruise. It’s not viewed as a failure — it’s considered sound judgment. In fact, failing to go around when required is one of the most scrutinised safety violations in commercial flying.
Airline crews are taught that a diversion or a missed approach is always safer than trying to “make it work.” There’s a phrase in aviation: “No one ever got hurt by going around.”
The airline industry rewards conservative choices, not risky ones. Pilots are legally and procedurally obligated to err on the side of caution — and they are supported by company policy, training doctrine, and national regulators in doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a go-around dangerous?
No. It’s a routine manoeuvre performed regularly in training and often in real life. The aircraft remains fully controllable and is following procedure.
Q: Does a diversion mean something is wrong with the plane?
Not necessarily. It could be weather, a passenger illness, traffic delays, or a fuel management precaution. The aircraft may be functioning perfectly.
Q: Why don’t pilots just land anyway?
Because aviation rules require minimum conditions for landing. If the aircraft is not perfectly aligned or conditions change, a safe landing cannot legally or ethically be attempted.
Q: Can the plane run out of fuel during diversions or go-arounds?
No. All flights carry enough fuel for the destination, an alternate, and at least 30–45 minutes of holding. Fuel status is monitored constantly.
Q: Why wasn’t I told immediately?
Pilots may delay making announcements during a go-around or diversion until workload reduces. Safety actions come before communication, but updates follow shortly.
Final Perspective
A diversion is not a detour into uncertainty. It’s a professional decision made by pilots with access to data, support, and training. A go-around is not a sign something went wrong — it’s proof the system is working exactly as designed. These actions are made calmly, proactively, and with your safety at the centre.
Every major airline expects and rehearses these events. Every pilot is trained to initiate them without hesitation. And every aircraft is designed to support them from start to finish.
The next time your flight diverts or climbs away from the runway, know this: the pilots aren’t reacting in fear. They’re following a protocol that’s been tested, drilled, and proven — to keep your flight safe, even when conditions shift.
Disclaimer
For full legal, medical, psychological, and technical disclaimers relating to all content on this website, please refer to The Cockpit King’s official disclaimer page. All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only.