What is the correct action if the destination runway is not suitable on arrival?

• A. Divert to a suitable alternate airport per planning, minima, and company SOPs, coordinating with ATC.
• B. Abort the flight and return to departure airport.
• C. Continue to the destination runway with reduced landing distance.
• D. Report the issue to passengers and proceed.

Answer: (A)

When the destination runway isn’t suitable on arrival, the correct action is to divert to a suitable alternate airport in accordance with the planned minima and the company SOPs, while coordinating with ATC. A runway may be unsuitable for several reasons—insufficient landing distance, braking action issues, contamination, wind or weather constraints, or other safety factors—and you must not attempt to land on a runway that doesn’t meet the required safety criteria. The preflight plan includes designated alternates that meet the aircraft’s performance and the expected conditions; if the destination cannot be used, you select and proceed to an alternate that does satisfy those requirements, ensuring you have enough fuel and the proper approach and landing minima. Abort-to-departure isn’t the default action when a suitable alternate exists, and continuing with a reduced landing distance is not permissible because you must have the actual required runway length and conditions. Informing ATC and following the diversion plan keeps everyone safe and maintains proper coordination.