GUWAHATI: An IndiGo flight from Patna to Lucknow was struck by lightning while approaching Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Wednesday, October 7, damaging the aircraft’s nose.
ALSO READ: Pregnant Woman, Child Among At Least 3 Killed in Delhi Building Collapse; 8 Injured
The aircraft, operating as IndiGo flight 6E925, was carrying 104 passengers and six crew members. All passengers and crew members were safe, and the aircraft landed safely in Lucknow despite the damage.
The flight took off from Patna airport at around 3:10 PM and was scheduled to arrive in Lucknow at 4:20 PM. It landed at the Lucknow airport at around 4:05 PM following the lightning strike.
The lightning damaged the front portion of the aircraft during its approach to Lucknow. Airport officials said the damage was noticed by the airport team after the aircraft had landed.
Following the landing, the aircraft was grounded at Lucknow airport due to the technical issue. It was declared Aircraft on Ground (AOG), meaning it would not be operated until it underwent the necessary technical checks and received clearance.
The same aircraft was scheduled to operate IndiGo flight 6E6968 from Lucknow to Ahmedabad. The airline arranged another aircraft for the passengers, who subsequently departed for Ahmedabad at around 6:22 PM.
A team of engineers is examining the aircraft to assess the extent of the damage. Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft may have encountered lightning amid adverse weather conditions.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident. The aircraft will be allowed to resume operations only after the necessary technical and regulatory clearances.
An IndiGo spokesperson said flight 6E625, operating from Patna to Lucknow on October 7, encountered unfavourable weather, including a hailstorm, while landing, resulting in damage to the radome. The aircraft landed safely and all passengers disembarked at Lucknow.
The airline said the relevant authorities were immediately informed and the aircraft would undergo necessary maintenance before resuming operations after securing the required clearances.
