A TUI flight from Brussels to Hurghada faced unexpected turbulence when it was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff on Sunday.
Taking off at 1:20 PM from Brussels Airport, the Boeing 787 aircraft encountered the lightning strike soon after, prompting the flight crew to take precautionary measures.
According to passenger Laeticia, who shared her experience with RTL, "The plane took off at 1:20 PM on Sunday and shortly after, the right wing was struck by lightning. There was no panic on board. Nothing happened. We continued to fly normally." Her calm demeanor reflected the situation on the plane, where passengers were understandably anxious but steadily reassured by the crew.
Despite the initial tension, the flight continued normally for about one hour before the pilots decided to return to Zaventem Airport, flying back over Germany. This decision was made as a safety measure to have the aircraft inspected for potential damage following the lightning strike.
Laeticia recounted the moments upon landing. "We were taken back to the airport with a €10 voucher to get something to eat. By around 5 PM, we learned we would be accommodated for the night and potentially fly out again the next day," she explained.
Sarah Saucin, spokesperson for TUI, confirmed the circumstances surrounding the flight. "After being struck by lightning, our plane needs to be checked and possibly repaired," she stated, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety.
Passengers remained hopeful, eager to start their vacation plans, even after the disruption. Laeticia summed up her feelings, saying, "We hope because we really want to leave." This phrase encapsulates the determination of travelers, who often face hiccups during their journeys but retain their enthusiasm for travel.
Such incidents, though uncommon, serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of air travel. Lightning strikes can affect any aircraft, but modern advancements afford safer protocols for handling such emergencies. Airlines are well-equipped to manage situations like these, ensuring passenger safety as their utmost priority.
With many travelers' journeys complicated by such weather-related issues, it’s encouraging to see how airlines navigate these situations. TUI is expected to accommodate all affected passengers effectively, hoping to departs them to their intended destinations soon, as Laeticia mentioned.
For passengers who experienced the lightning strike, the memory will linger but so will the excitement of vacationing once their flight resumes. Stories like these remind us of the resilience of the human spirit when faced with adversity, fostering community among strangers as they share experiences and hopes for future travels.
