BENGALURU: An AirAsia India flight from Bengaluru to Hyderabad was struck by lightning on Tuesday morning resulting in the flight having to return to the Kempegowda International Airport. Although the aircraft seems to have suffered small damage, the passengers were all safe.
At 7.39 am the Airbus A320 flight took off from Bengaluru airport with 91 passengers on board.
According to an airline spokesperson, "AirAsia India flight I5-1576, operating from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, returned to Bengaluru due to air traffic congestion caused by inclement weather."
An inspection by the airline later revealed that the aircraft had encountered a lightning strike.
"Lighting strikes, although rare, do occur and aircraft are safeguarded against strikes which do not pose a risk. The safety of guests and the aircraft remained intact at all points," the spokesperson said.
A passenger, Dr Arun Mawaji, had tweeted that the airline staff realized that the plane was damaged after refuelling and returning to Bengaluru, NIE reported
AirAsia responded that it was changing the aircraft to accommodate the passengers.
Another flyer Rudrani tweeted: "I5 1576 was diverted back to Bengaluru from Hyd on the pretext of refuelling. After landing at Bengaluru airport, we are now told that there is a technical issue and that there might be an aircraft change. This is becoming hilarious." He was critical about the different reasons given for the incident by the "clueless" airline crew.
BIAL, The airport operator, did not comment on the issue.