Three planes were struck by lightning at Manchester Airport on Tuesday, June 9, causing major disruptions for holidaymakers. One plane was grounded, another diverted, and a third was affected by adverse weather conditions as it arrived.
Jet2 Flight Diverted
A Jet2 flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff and forced to divert to Manchester. Firefighters from Wythenshawe and Cheadle, along with a technical response unit from Leigh, attended the scene at around 4:30pm. Passengers were transferred to another aircraft before continuing their journey.
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "It departed from Leeds Bradford. At some point it was struck by lightning and had to come back here. It circled around over Liverpool way for a little while and then came to us. Passengers have been transferred onto a different aircraft that was already on the ground here."
Pegasus Airlines Flight Returns
A Pegasus Airlines flight from Manchester to Istanbul was also struck by lightning during takeoff. Passenger Nassar Massalha described hearing a "massive explosion" and seeing a "ball of fire on the left-hand side of the aircraft." The plane circled for around 40 minutes before returning to Manchester as a precaution. All passengers and crew were safe and transferred to a replacement flight.
A Pegasus Airlines spokesperson said: "As a precautionary measure, passengers were transferred to another aircraft."
TUI Flight Hit on Arrival
A TUI flight arriving from Santorini was reportedly struck by lightning as it landed at Manchester Airport. The aircraft landed safely, though TUI officials noted that adverse weather conditions may have caused the strike, but this has not been confirmed.
A TUI spokesperson said: "While we do not comment on individual flights or operational matters, adverse weather conditions at Manchester Airport today may have resulted in an aircraft being struck by lightning. At this stage, however, this has not been confirmed. Nevertheless, the flight number you mentioned landed safely."
Jet2 has been approached for comment.
