An American Airlines flight from Heathrow to the United States was forced to turn back on Wednesday after reportedly being struck by lightning. Flight AA735, destined for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, returned to London just 30 minutes into its journey.
The flight departed on schedule at 3:05 PM, but the crew activated the emergency transponder code 7700 while over Manchester airspace at approximately 3:35 PM. This universal code is used by pilots to declare a general emergency. The aircraft immediately executed a sharp turn back toward London, with air traffic control granting priority clearance for the return.
The Boeing 777-300ER touched down at Heathrow at 4:35 PM, where airport rescue and fire crews conducted an inspection on the runway. The plane cannot return to service until post-strike checks are completed, potentially disrupting future flights with one aircraft temporarily out of operation. The Standard has approached American Airlines for comment.
Lightning also caused disruptions at Manchester Airport on Wednesday. A Jet2 flight made an emergency diversion to Manchester after being struck by lightning during takeoff from Leeds Bradford Airport. Additionally, a Pegasus Airlines flight from Manchester to Istanbul was forced to return after a lightning strike during takeoff. Another aircraft arriving from Santorini was hit as it approached, but landed safely. Thunder and lightning also hit London on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and loud storms during the evening rush hour.
England's World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica in Orlando was delayed by an hour due to storms in the area.
Lightning strikes on commercial aircraft are not uncommon, and modern planes are designed to safely conduct electrical charges. The vast majority of strikes result in no structural damage. However, full maintenance inspections are mandated by the FAA and the UK Civil Aviation Authority before the aircraft can resume service.
The incident follows another American Airlines flight that made an emergency landing during a transatlantic crossing in May. Flight AA784 diverted to JFK after the first officer's cockpit windshield shattered, delivering passengers to Munich more than seven hours late.
