SAN FRANCISCO- A British Airways (BA) Airbus A380-800 declared minimum fuel while approaching San Francisco after being placed in a holding pattern due to a runway blockage.
The aircraft continued the approach once cleared and landed safely at San Francisco with fuel levels at the declared minimum.
British Airways was operating a scheduled long-haul service from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) when the event occurred.
Photo: Clément Alloing
British Airways A380 Pilots Declare Minimum Fuel
The incident involved a British Airways Airbus A380-800, registration G-XLEC, operating flight BA287 from London Heathrow to San Francisco.
As the aircraft descended toward the San Francisco terminal area, air traffic control instructed the crew to enter a holding pattern. The delay followed an emergency landing by another aircraft that left runway 28 temporarily unavailable.
While holding, the flight crew advised NorCal Approach that the aircraft would reach minimum fuel status by 03:45 UTC.
The pilots clearly communicated that continued holding beyond that time would not be possible, requesting priority for an approach once the runway situation allowed. The declaration aligned with standard aviation procedures, signaling urgency without constituting a fuel emergency.
Photo: Clément Alloing
ATC Coordination and Runway Clearance
NorCal Approach acknowledged the minimum fuel advisory and coordinated a plan for runway 28 operations. Once the runway environment stabilized, the aircraft was cleared to proceed toward San Francisco International Airport.
Tower controllers managed spacing carefully due to traffic congestion and the presence of heavy aircraft ahead. Controllers instructed preceding traffic to maintain speed to ensure the British Airways A380 could continue its approach without further delay. This coordination reduced additional fuel burn and preserved safe separation.
Visual Approach and Safe Landing on Runway 28L
The Airbus A380 was cleared for a visual approach to runway 28L. Despite minor speed adjustments during final sequencing, the aircraft maintained a stable approach profile. The flight landed safely at approximately 03:55 UTC with minimum fuel remaining.
After touchdown, the aircraft exited the runway without issue and taxied to the gate as instructed by ground control. No injuries or aircraft damage were reported, and normal airport operations resumed shortly after.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanes
ATC and Pilot Comms
Here’s a detailed transcription of the conversation between British Airways pilots and San Francisco ATC as flagged by YouCanSeeATC and recorded by LiveATC.net:
Speedbird 28K:
NorCal, Speedbird 28K, for your information, we will be minimum fuel in about four to five minutes. Ideally, we would like to take the approach after LOSSET, but four to five minutes is our limit.
ATC:
Speedbird 28K, understood.
Speedbird 28K:
We are hearing traffic heading in now, assuming it is San Francisco-related. We are standing by.
ATC:
Speedbird 28K, roger.
ATC:
Speedbird 28K, confirming you are expecting runway 28. Be advised, runway 28R will be closed for a while.
Speedbird 28K:
Negative, we can accept 28L, no issue. Speedbird 28K.
ATC:
Speedbird 28K, cleared to San Francisco Airport via LOSSET on the Big Sur Four arrival. Maintain One One thousand.
Speedbird 28K:
Cleared San Francisco via LOSSET, Big Sur Four, maintain one one thousand. Speedbird 28K, thank you.
ATC:
Speedbird 28K, contact NorCal Approach on 133.95.
Speedbird 28K:
133.95, Speedbird 28K, thanks for the help.
NorCal Approach:
Speedbird 28K, fly heading 310, maintain one eight zero knots or greater.
Speedbird 28K:
Left heading 310, maintaining one eight zero knots. Speedbird 28K.
Tower Frequency
Tower:
N208Q, San Francisco Tower, runway 28L, cleared to land. Wind calm. You are following a heavy Airbus.
N208Q:
Cleared to land 28L, we have the heavy in sight. N208Q.
Approach:
Speedbird 28K, Super, fly heading 300. Cleared visual approach runway 28L.
Speedbird 28K:
Heading 300, cleared visual 28L. Speedbird 28K.
Tower to N208Q:
N208Q, I know you are following a heavy. If able, keep your speed up. There is a Super behind you with minimal fuel.
N208Q:
Roger, we will keep the speed up as best we can. N208Q.
Approach:
Speedbird 28K, Super, reduce speed to one seven zero knots or less. Contact San Francisco Tower.
Speedbird 28K:
One seven zero knots or less. Switching Tower. Speedbird 28K.
Tower:
Speedbird 28K, Super, San Francisco Tower. Wind calm. Runway 28L, cleared to land.
Speedbird 28K:
Cleared to land runway 28L. Speedbird 28K.
Tower:
Speedbird 28K, if able, reduce speed slightly. You are overtaking traffic ahead.
Speedbird 28K:
We are managing speed carefully due to fuel, but we will reduce as able. Speedbird 28K.
Tower:
Speedbird 28K, Super, turn left when able. Join Bravo, then taxi to point eight. Good evening.
Speedbird 28K:
Left turn, join Bravo to point eight. Speedbird 28K, thank you.
Photo: MCO Airport
Bottom Line
Minimum fuel declarations are procedural alerts that allow air traffic control to prioritize an aircraft without triggering emergency protocols. This event highlights effective communication between flight crews and controllers during high traffic conditions at major international airports.
The safe outcome underscores the importance of clear fuel status reporting, timely ATC coordination, and disciplined arrival management, particularly for large aircraft operating at peak capacity airports.
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