Quantcast

British Airways pilot reports plane struck by lightning approaching Heathrow

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
British Airways pilot reports plane struck by lightning approaching Heathrow
Research
Webp txr36ytg6uuvd13i8xrjnuempd4m
Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

The pilot of British Airways flight 501 from Lisbon to London Heathrow reported being struck by lightning while on approach to the airport on Sunday. He described the lightning as having “entered [the aircraft] just underneath the flight deck” and said it left via the aircraft’s tail. “We saw it shoot through the cabin,” he noted, an occurrence he had only heard about in stories but never witnessed before.

“Just got struck by lightning on the approach into Heathrow. It entered just underneath the flight deck and left the tail – we saw it shoot through the cabin. I’d heard of lighting travelling through the cabin before but it was my first time seeing it in real life,” tweeted Ben (@JustAnother_Ben) on July 7, 2024.

Despite this incident, the flight remained unaffected, with the pilot making an announcement due to the noise created by the strike. The aircraft is expected to remain grounded for approximately 18 hours for a routine inspection following a lightning strike, which includes testing electronic systems and checking for physical damage.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

This particular Airbus A320, which is 22 years old, has previously experienced issues such as fumes in the cockpit and cabin pressurization problems, as well as prior lightning strikes. On average, commercial planes are struck by lightning at least once a year. However, it has been over 40 years since a crash was attributed to a lightning strike. Generally, an aircraft’s fuselage conducts electricity from a strike and transmits it out through the tail.

In related incidents, an Air Canada Boeing 777 was also struck by lightning while departing Vancouver en route to London’s Heathrow airport earlier this year.

“WOW ✈️ Air Canada Boeing 777 gets struck by lightning while departing Vancouver, BC over the weekend,” tweeted Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) on March 6, 2024.

Additionally, video footage showed damage to a Jetstar Boeing 787 from a lightning strike during a domestic Australian flight from Melbourne to Gold Coast in May 2022. The aircraft was taken out of service for up to two months for repairs.

“Video shows Jetstar 787 damage from a lightning strike during a flight from Melbourne to Gold Coast earlier this month,” tweeted Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) on May 17, 2022.

Past incidents have also shown photos of American Airlines Boeing 787s damaged by lightning strikes.

Aviation technology continues to advance rapidly; however, nature's power remains formidable.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has reported continued interest in its E2 jet family, following a successful presentation at the Paris Air Show.

Jul 4, 2025

London Heathrow Airport is experiencing a busy schedule of Airbus A380 flights this July, with 21 daily departures on most days.

Jul 4, 2025