If an aircraft is in distress, what right does it have?

When an aircraft is in distress, it is given the right-of-way regardless of circumstances. This principle is rooted in aviation regulations and safety protocols. The rationale behind this is to prioritize the safety of the distressed aircraft and its occupants. Other aircraft are required to give way to the distressed aircraft to allow it to maneuver safely. This is vital in emergency situations where the distressed aircraft may need to take immediate and possibly unconventional actions to manage its situation effectively.

While it may be beneficial for a distressed aircraft to divert to the nearest airport or follow certain procedures, these actions do not hold the same priority as the right-of-way that is afforded during distress. The emergency nature of the situation supersedes standard traffic rules, allowing the pilot to focus on navigating the crisis without being hindered by conflicting air traffic.