According to a LiveATC.net recording, one of the pilots told an air traffic controller that he didn't have enough fuel to reach another airport and couldn't even wait 20 minutes — he would declare an emergency and land. Federal rules require airliners to carry enough fuel to reach their destination or an alternate airport with a reserve of 45 minutes worth of fuel. The plane landed safely in Fargo.
Allegiant spokeswoman Jessica Wheeler said the pilot meant he had less than 20 minutes before dipping into the 45-minute reserve. She added that Allegiant believed that the Fargo closure included an exception for scheduled passenger flights. She said the company believes the executive did nothing wrong in their operation of the flight.
This is entertaining. Declares emergency because he states he does not have enough fuel to make the alternate. Jessica says the Captain meant he did have enough fuel for the alternate, and was getting close to reserve fuel.
If the field is closed, and you have enough fuel to reach alternate (according to Wheeler), why not proceed to alternate?
Even if they "think" the NOTAM did not apply to their flight, and ATC is telling you go elsewhere, then it makes no sense to declare an emergency if fuel was not a factor.
If they blame dispatch, wouldn't that be admitting the NOTAM was clear about the airport being temporarily closed that day?
Sorry you guys flying at Allegiant have this kind of leadership.