Passengers shocked as British Airways plane struck by lightning near Heathrow

Passengers onboard a British Airways flight from Stuttgart to London Heathrow captured the terrifying moment the plane was struck by lightning during its descent into Heathrow airport. Due to adverse weather conditions, the flight had to be diverted to Gatwick airport, causing delays for the passengers. One passenger described witnessing the lightning bolt travel through the cabin, a rare and alarming experience for many on board. The incident occurred as the flight, carrying passengers returning from Euro 2024 matches in Germany, was scheduled to land at Heathrow at 1.40pm but was redirected to Gatwick for safety reasons. Passengers commended the captain and crew for their professional handling of the situation, providing reassurance and assistance during the unexpected turn of events. The sudden change in route was evident on a flight map, showing the plane's deviation from its original path towards Heathrow. Despite the frightening experience, passengers expressed gratitude for the crew's response and support during the lightning strike. Some passengers on other flights also reported similar encounters with lightning, highlighting the unpredictable nature of air travel and the challenges posed by severe weather conditions. The incident comes in the wake of recent disruptions for British Airways, including an IT failure that caused delays and inconvenience for passengers at Heathrow airport. A British Airways spokesperson acknowledged the diversion was necessary due to the prevailing weather conditions, apologizing for any inconvenience caused to travelers. Lightning strikes on aircraft are relatively rare occurrences, with planes typically experiencing such incidents once or twice a year. The safety and well-being of passengers remain a top priority for airlines, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and swift action in response to unexpected events during flights.