Casualties unknown

Incident Involving Thomson Airways Boeing 737-800 on Approach to Fuerteventura (G-FDZG)

Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura (Las Palmas), ES

On August 22, 2013, a Boeing 737-800 (registration G-FDZG) was involved in an aviation accident near Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura (Las Palmas), ES. This summary draws on records from the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered G-FDZG
Aircraft registered G-FDZG. Photo: Scott Wright / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Thomson Airways Boeing 737-800, en route from London Gatwick to Lanzarote, experienced a destabilized approach and executed a missed approach, then diverted to Fuerteventura due to low fuel. No injuries were reported.

Flight History

On 22 August 2013, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registration G-FDZG, operated by Thomson Airways, departed from London Gatwick Airport (EGKK) on a scheduled commercial flight. The aircraft carried 7 crew members and 169 passengers, totaling 176 persons on board. The destination was Lanzarote Airport (GCRR).

During the approach to runway 03, while on the downwind leg, air traffic control instructed the crew to alter their maneuver due to changing wind conditions. The crew was directed to proceed to the LTE VOR to conduct a VOR approach to runway 21.

While on final approach to runway 21, the approach became unstable, prompting the crew to execute a missed approach. Following the difficulties encountered during the approach, the crew decided to divert to their alternate airport on the island of Fuerteventura. At Fuerteventura Airport (GCFV), they were cleared for a visual approach. The remaining fuel was approaching the final reserve fuel quantity.

Personnel Information

The flight crew comprised two pilots. No injuries were sustained by any persons on board: all 176 occupants were uninjured.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800, registration G-FDZG. No damage to the aircraft was reported.

Meteorological Information

Meteorological conditions at the time involved changing wind conditions that led to the modification of the approach plan.

Other Information

The incident occurred during the approach phase of flight. The operator, Thomson Airways, subsequently took measures related to the event, though details are not specified in the source.

Probable Cause

The official report does not state a probable cause for this incident.

All Boeing 737-800 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Aug 2013 Boeing 737-800 accident near Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura (Las Palmas), ES?

A Thomson Airways Boeing 737-800, en route from London Gatwick to Lanzarote, experienced a destabilized approach and executed a missed approach, then diverted to Fuerteventura due to low fuel. No injuries were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Aug 2013 involved a Boeing 737-800, registration G-FDZG, at Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura (Las Palmas), ES.

Investigation report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). Original record: https://www.transportes.gob.es/recursos_mfom/2013_036_in_eng_0.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC), Spain - Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible.