What are the IFR fuel requirements for a flight?

The IFR fuel requirements specify that an aircraft must carry enough fuel to reach its destination, then proceed to an alternate airport if the destination is not available, and also have a reserve of fuel for additional cruising time—typically 45 minutes. This requirement ensures that in case of unexpected delays or changes in the flight plan, the aircraft has sufficient fuel to safely navigate to an alternate location and still have a buffer for unforeseen circumstances, such as a holding pattern or extended landing approach. This regulation is fundamental for maintaining safety in aviation, as it provides robust safeguards against fuel shortages during IFR operations. The other options do not fully capture these layered requirements, making them inadequate for IFR flights.