Overview
- A Jet2 plane that left Leeds Bradford for the Canary Islands was struck by lightning and diverted to Manchester, where passengers were moved to a replacement aircraft after checks were carried out.
- A Pegasus Airlines flight bound for Istanbul was hit seconds after takeoff, circled for about 40 minutes, returned to Manchester as a precaution and passengers were re-accommodated.
- Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines and a Technical Response Unit to the runway after the Jet2 incident and crews were in attendance for around an hour.
- Passengers on the Pegasus flight reported a loud blast and a flash when the strike occurred and were given vouchers and a later replacement flight; no injuries have been reported.
- A report that a TUI arrival from Santorini was also struck has not been confirmed, and airport and airline statements say the events have been handled as safety checks with operations continuing.