An aeroplane made an emergency landing after being struck by lightning.
The EasyJet service, flight U28305, was en route from London Gatwick to Milan when the incident occurred shortly after departure.
The flight left Gatwick’s runway at 2.22pm on Thursday, May 14, aboard an Airbus A319, registration G-EZDH.
A spokesperson for EasyJet said: “Flight EZY8305 from London Gatwick to Milan yesterday afternoon returned to London Gatwick shortly after take off following a lightning strike in line with procedures.”
As the aircraft climbed through stormy skies, it was struck by lightning.
The plane was struck directly by lightning after taking off (Image: LadLassLad/Reddit)
The flight crew continued climbing to about 16,000 feet while checking the aircraft systems before declaring a priority and requesting to return to Gatwick.
The EasyJet spokesperson confirmed the plane landed routinely and said: “The aircraft is equipped to safely withstand lightning and at no point was the safety of the flight compromised.
“The pilot performed a routine landing where we provided customers with refreshments in the terminal and arranged for a replacement crew and aircraft to continue the flight to Milan later that evening.
“The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.”
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Modern aircraft are designed to safely handle such events and direct the electrical current away from passengers.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said: “We can confirm the EZY8305 A319 requested an emergency landing at London Gatwick after a reported lightning strike shortly after departure yesterday (May 14).
“It returned to the airport where it landed safely.