Lightning strikes Turkish Airlines, Pegasus planes shortly after Istanbul takeoff
An aircraft flying past lightning. (Photo via The Scientific American)
Two flights departing from Istanbul encountered lightning strikes shortly after takeoff, prompting both Turkish Airlines (THY) and Pegasus Airlines to return to the airport as a precautionary measure.
The incidents did not result in any harm, and both airlines ensured the safety of their passengers.
THY’s Abu Dhabi flight hit by lightning just after Istanbul takeoff
A Turkish Airlines flight en route to Abu Dhabi from Istanbul Airport was struck by lightning shortly after departure.
The captain assured passengers that the decision to return was made for safety purposes and that there were no safety concerns regarding the flight itself.
Pegasus Airlines flight also struck by lightning
According to reports from Hava Sosyal Medya, a Pegasus Airlines flight operating on the Sabiha Gokcen to Cukurova route was struck by lightning just after takeoff.
The Airbus A321neo, with the registration code TC-RFH, was forced to return to Sabiha Gokcen Airport for an inspection.
Passengers safely transferred to new aircraft
Upon arrival at the airport, passengers were disembarked, and a replacement aircraft was provided for the flight.
The new flight, operated by an Airbus A321neo with registration code TC-RDY, is scheduled to depart at 11:40 P.M.
