>>11894336
That's not as much a plot "hole" as a plot contrivance; that's the difference between a lack of explanation vs a merely stupid one when it comes to story convenience.

They do make a point of saying earlier how the Highwind was receiving maintenance. Is it dumb that there's apparently only two available fast, long-range airships in the entire Shinra-controlled territory? Sure; but that doesn't make it a plot hole.