Air carrier Captain reported they were put in a hold with no EFC due to UAS activity around their destination airport. In considering alternatives; they discovered the listed alternate airport could not accept them due to their size. Flight crew landed at destination airport when UAS activity stopped.
Synopsis
Air carrier Captain reported they were put in a hold with no EFC due to UAS activity around their destination airport. In considering alternatives; they discovered the listed alternate airport could not accept them due to their size. Flight crew landed at destination airport when UAS activity stopped.
Narrative
Upon our arrival into RCTP all aircraft were issued holding without any EFC. Apparently an unauthorized UAV was penetrating the Airport Traffic Area. On our flight plan ZZZZ was listed for alternate time XA:19; burn 5;494 [lbs of fuel]. Because no EFC was given; and we were looking at plan B; airports we could divert to. We inquired if ZZZZ was available for us. ATC stated; no. That this airport cannot handle Aircraft X. This airport is listed as a 'A' for alternate for Aircraft X. The Chief Pilot confirmed that after we landed. We do not know why the airport was unsuitable for Aircraft X; if this is a temporary or permanent issue. The closest divert for us was ZZZZ1; on the southern end of Taiwan; it was 200 miles from our location; about XX minutes and a burn of about 9;000 [lbs of fuel]. The Flight Plan had it at XY minutes and 8;547 [lbs of fuel]; but I am estimating because we were north of RCTP. As we initiated our divert; and were south of RCTP ATC opened up RCTP for arrivals; we were number 4 and landed without incident.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.