Loganair flight forced to return after terrifying lightning strike

In New Zealand, an Air New Zealand flight NZ902 experienced a significant incident after being struck by lightning shortly after takeoff from Auckland Airport. The flight, which was intended for Tahiti, departed at 8:30 PM on a Monday. Just twenty minutes into its journey, the aircraft encountered a severe thunderstorm, which resulted in the lightning strike that prompted the pilot to return immediately to Auckland. Upon landing back at Auckland Airport, safety protocols were activated, allowing maintenance teams to inspect the aircraft for any potential damage from the strike. According to Air New Zealand's Chief Operating Officer, Alex Marren, while lightning strikes are not common, the airline's crew is well-trained to manage such scenarios. Passengers from the disrupted flight were quickly rebooked to continue their journey to Papeete at a later time. This incident coincides with a region experiencing a spate of turbulent weather, characterized by increased thunderstorms and violent atmospheric conditions. The incident reflects the challenges faced by airlines operating in areas prone to sudden and severe weather events. Notably, severe weather has been a recurring theme in air travel recently, with multiple instances of incidents tied to adverse conditions reported across different airlines. Furthermore, Loganair had a similar experience when one of its flights to Aberdeen was also struck by lightning shortly after takeoff from Manchester, although it was able to land safely back in Manchester. Such occurrences raise concerns about passenger safety and the operational resilience of airlines, especially during stormy weather. The statistics suggest that air travel often encounters weather-related problems, yet modern aircraft are generally equipped to handle lightning strikes without jeopardizing passenger safety.