Why OO-JNL had to fly a modified (and longer) flight plan over the Atlantic Ocean

Last week, TUI fly Belgium passengers and crew had to fly just a little longer than usual between Santa Domingo, Montego Bay, Miami and Brussels Airport. Reason? due to an oil indication on their Boeing 767 (OO-JNL) the ETOPS certification¹ for the 767 was temporarily restricted. Since the Boeing had to fly closer to an alternative airport, the flight routes were adjusted. With longer flight times as a result: up to 2 hours and 50 minutes longer than usual.

Brussels Airport – Santa Domingo ETOPS (9 hours and 7 minutes) – 18 February 2018

Brussels Airport – Santa Domingo ETOPS restricted (11 hours and 57 minutes) – 21 February 2018

Montego Bay – Brussels ETOPS (8 hours and 59 minutes) – 18 February 2018

Montego Bay – Brussels ETOPS restricted (10 hours and 45 minutes) – 22 February 2018

¹ There are different levels of ETOPS certification, which are the only aircraft flying time away from the nearest suitable airport. fly any route not more than 180 minutes single-engine flying time to the nearest suitable airport. Visit wikipedia ETOPS for more information about ETOPS certification.