When might an aircraft request a diversion while holding?

An aircraft might request a diversion while holding primarily when the crew wishes to change their destination. This scenario often occurs if the intended landing airport is no longer a viable option, perhaps due to unfavorable weather conditions, an emergency situation, or rerouting based on traffic management needs. The ability to divert allows the crew greater flexibility in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight.

In this context, other factors such as flight delays or blocked original routes may influence operational decisions, but they are not the direct reasons for a diversion request while in a holding pattern. The crew's inability to communicate could indicate a serious issue, but it does not typically result in a request for diversion in itself; rather, it may complicate the situation further. Hence, when a decision is made to divert, it is usually a clear and active choice to proceed to an alternate airport instead of the original destination.