An approach must meet stability criteria
Airlines define conditions involving speed, configuration, descent rate and position that should be satisfied by a certain stage of the approach. If they are not, a go-around may be required.
Runway occupancy can force the decision
Another aircraft or vehicle may not clear the runway as expected. Air traffic control can instruct the arriving aircraft to go around, or the crew can decide independently if the runway is not available.
Weather can change in seconds
Wind shear, a sudden tailwind, poor visibility or a difficult crosswind can make a previously acceptable landing no longer suitable.
The maneuver follows a defined procedure
Pilots apply power, control the aircraft configuration and follow a published missed-approach path or air-traffic-control instruction. It is not simply “circling around” informally.
Fuel planning allows for operational flexibility
Airliners carry reserves and plan alternates so one missed approach does not automatically create a fuel crisis. Repeated attempts or long delays can eventually lead to diversion.
A go-around is evidence of a safety margin being used
It may cause a delay and surprise passengers, but the maneuver exists specifically so crews do not feel compelled to complete a landing when conditions are wrong.
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