Jet2 flight struck by lightning diverts to Manchester Airport as passengers transferred to new plane
The aircraft was heading from Leeds Bradford to the Canary Islands when it was hit, circling over Liverpool before landing at Manchester with fire crews on standby.
A Jet2 flight had to make an emergency diversion to Manchester Airport after being struck by lightning on Tuesday afternoon.
The plane took off from Leeds Bradford and was heading for the Canary Islands before making the sudden detour. Firefighters were called to a runway at Manchester Airport at around 4.30pm.
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "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 were transferred onto a different aircraft that was already on the ground at Manchester. The spokesperson added: "If they aren't already on their way, they will be on their way very soon."
What emergency services attended?
Two fire engines from Wythenshawe and Cheadle, along with a technical response unit from Leigh, attended the incident on Ringway Road.
A GMFRS spokesperson said firefighters were in attendance for around an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did the Jet2 flight divert to Manchester Airport?
- The aircraft was struck by lightning while travelling from Leeds Bradford to the Canary Islands, prompting an unscheduled landing in Manchester for safety reasons.
- Were emergency services called to the airport?
- Yes, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service dispatched fire engines from Wythenshawe and Cheadle, plus a technical response unit, as a precaution.
- What happened to the passengers on the diverted flight?
- Passengers were safely transferred to a replacement Jet2 aircraft that was already on the ground at Manchester Airport so they could continue their holiday.