How Much Does a Go-Around Cost an Airline?

When Planes Don’t Land the First Time and Why It’s So Expensive

You're moments from touchdown. The wheels are almost touching the runway. Then suddenly...
ROAR!
The engines power up and the plane climbs back into the sky.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re performing a go-around…”

It’s a maneuver that’s perfectly safe and more common than you’d think, but for airlines?
A go-around is like tossing money out the window.

Let’s break down what a go-around is, why it happens, and how much it really costs an airline when a landing doesn’t stick the first time.

What Is a Go-Around?

A go-around (also called a missed approach) is when a pilot aborts a landing, typically due to:

• Poor visibility or weather

• Runway not clear

• Aircraft misaligned

• Sudden crosswinds or tailwinds

• Air traffic control instructions

Rather than force a landing, the pilot climbs back up, circles around, and tries again safely.

So... How Much Does a Go-Around Cost?

It depends on the aircraft, fuel prices, airport fees, and delay effects but here’s a general ballpark:

Short-haul (e.g. A320, 737) $1,500 – $5,000

Long-haul (e.g. 777, A350) $6,000 – $15,000+

These numbers include:

• Extra fuel burned (especially during climb-out)

• Extended air traffic control fees

• Possible delay ripple effects on later flights

• Crew overtime or scheduling impacts

• Airport slot penalties or missed connections

Fuel Burn: The Biggest Expense

A typical go-around can burn 300 to 1,000+ gallons of fuel, depending on aircraft and altitude.

With jet fuel costing around $2.50–$4.00 per gallon, that’s already $1,000–$4,000 in fuel alone, just for an extra loop around the airport.

For long-haul aircraft, it's even higher especially if they have to divert to a backup airport due to weather or runway congestion.