On March 19th, 2025, Iberia Airlines (IB) Flight IB311 made an emergency return to Madrid after a suspected fuel leak mid-flight. The Airbus A350-900, flying from Madrid, Spain, to Mexico City, Mexico, was approximately 580 nautical miles west-northwest of the Azores Islands when the crew decided to turn around and return to Madrid. The incident highlights the increasing number of in-flight emergencies related to fuel leaks, underscoring both the effectiveness of modern safety protocols and the critical importance of passenger safety during such events.
The Incident: Iberia Flight IB311Iberia Airlines Flight IB311 was en route from Madrid (MAD) to Mexico City (MEX) when, while cruising at flight level 370 over the Atlantic Ocean, a fuel leak was suspected. At that moment, the aircraft was nearing the midpoint of its transatlantic journey, approximately 580 nautical miles from Santa Maria in the Azores Islands, Portugal. Faced with the potential risks associated with fuel loss, the flight crew made the decision to execute a safe return journey to Madrid.
The crew’s decision to return was a precautionary measure, in line with standard aviation protocol for suspected fuel leaks. In these situations, the primary objective is to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and the airline’s decision to return to Madrid was a testament to the crew’s professionalism and adherence to safety procedures. After initiating the return, the aircraft completed its journey back to Madrid an.
