Theodora Chapman An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Queenstown was forced to turn back on Friday evening after being struck by lightning shortly after take-off. The incident, which occurred amid a spell of unsettled weather across the country, saw the aircraft return safely to Auckland, where it underwent standard engineering checks.
The Incident
Shortly after departing Auckland, passengers and crew aboard the Queenstown-bound flight experienced a sudden and dramatic lightning strike. Witnesses described a loud bang and a bright flash, with one passenger, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, noting on social media that there was “quite a bang, both audibly and visually” as the lightning hit the plane. Despite the shock, the pilots and crew remained calm and composed, reassuring passengers and following established safety procedures.
Immediate Response
Following the strike, the flight crew made the decision to return to Auckland rather than continue to Queenstown. The aircraft landed safely without further incident. Air New Zealand confirmed that the aircraft was taken out of service upon arrival for a thorough inspection by engineering teams, as is standard procedure after a lightning strike. The flight was ultimately cancelled, and affected passengers were rebooked on alternative services to their destinations.
Safety and Protocol
Lightning strikes on commercial aircraft, while dramatic, are not uncommon. Modern planes are designed to withstand such events, with built-in safety features that protect both the structure and the systems onboard. Pilots are trained extensively to handle lightning strikes and other adverse weather events. In this case, the crew’s prompt and professional response ensured the safety of everyone onboard.
Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity and safety officer stated that the aircraft was undergoing standard engineering checks and that all customers were transferred to alternative flights. The airline thanked passengers for their patience during the disruption.
Weather Conditions
The lightning strike occurred during a period of challenging weather across New Zealand, with other flights also affected by turbulence and adverse conditions. On the same day, another southbound flight from Wellington to Dunedin was forced to return to the capital after severe turbulence made landing attempts unsafe.
Passenger Experience
Passengers praised the calm and efficient handling of the situation by the Air New Zealand crew. Many expressed relief at the professionalism shown and the clear communication throughout the incident. While the experience was unsettling, the airline’s adherence to safety protocols was widely acknowledged and appreciated.
Summary
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Queenstown was struck by lightning shortly after take-off and safely returned to Auckland, where it underwent engineering checks. No injuries were reported, and passengers were rebooked on other flights. The incident highlights the effectiveness of modern aircraft safety systems and the professionalism of New Zealand’s flight crews in responding to unexpected events.
