A Jet2 flight experienced a critical incident when it was struck by lightning, prompting an emergency diversion to Manchester Airport. The plane departed from Leeds Bradford and was en route to the Canary Islands when it encountered severe weather conditions.
Emergency Diversion to Manchester Airport
The lightning strike forced the flight to divert to Manchester shortly after 4:30 PM on June 9, 2026. Firefighters were quickly dispatched to manage the situation on the runway at the airport. This included two fire engines from Wythenshawe and Cheadle, along with a specialized technical response unit from Leigh.
Response and Passenger Care
Upon landing, passengers were safely transferred to another aircraft that had already arrived at Manchester Airport. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed the flight’s trajectory, explaining that the aircraft circled over Liverpool before making its way back.
- Flight Details: Departed from Leeds Bradford
- Original Destination: Canary Islands
- Lightning Strike Time: Approximately 4:30 PM, June 9, 2026
- Emergency Services Response: Three fire engines and technical response unit
The fire service reported that their teams attended to the incident for about an hour. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the passengers. They were given assurances of swift transfer to continue their journey.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in aviation, especially during severe weather events like thunderstorms. Manchester Airport managed the situation effectively, ensuring passenger safety while coordinating with fire rescue teams.
