TUI Manchester Airport flight declares emergency mid-air amid security incident

A TUI flight on the Manchester route was forced to divert to East Midlands Airport after fuel levels fell critically during a security incident at Manchester Airport. The incident involved flight BY439, traveling from Aristides Pereira International Airport in Cape Verde, which was instructed to enter a holding pattern over Manchester. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a 17-year-old was detained under the Mental Health Act, with inquiries ongoing. Air Traffic Control kept the Boeing 737 MAX—capable of carrying up to 230 passengers—circling around 6,000 feet above the Peak District; at least 17 flights reportedly orbited, and seven aircraft were diverted elsewhere. After roughly 20 minutes, the aircraft declared an emergency, broadcasting squawk code 7700. It landed at East Midlands shortly after midnight Saturday, was refueled, then returned about an hour later; Manchester reopened to arrivals 15 minutes afterward.