An EasyJet flight bound for Italy was forced to make an emergency landing at London Gatwick this afternoon after the aircraft was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff.
LONDON – Flight U28305, operated by an Airbus A319 (registration G-EZDH), departed Gatwick’s runway 08R at 14:22 GMT on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Witnesses on the ground reported stormy conditions in the area at the time of departure.
As the aircraft climbed through the clouds, it was struck by lightning. After the strike, the flight crew continued the initial climb to approximately 16,000 feet while assessing the aircraft’s systems. Following standard safety protocols, the pilots declared a priority and requested a return to London Gatwick.
Rapid Turnaround
Air Traffic Control vectored the aircraft back toward the airport for an immediate approach. The flight landed safely on the same runway just 27 minutes after its initial departure.
Flight Timeline:
- 14:22 GMT: Departure from Runway 08R.
- Climb Phase: Lightning strike occurs; aircraft climbs to 16,000ft.
- 14:35 GMT: Descent and vectoring back to LGW begins.
- 14:49 GMT: Safe emergency landing at Gatwick.
Airline Statement
In a statement released shortly after the landing, EasyJet confirmed the diversion was a precautionary measure:
“EasyJet can confirm that flight U28305 from London Gatwick to Milan diverted back to London due to a lightning strike on the aircraft. The aircraft landed safely and was met by emergency services as a routine precaution.”
The airline added that the crew is currently assisting passengers and providing updates regarding a replacement aircraft or revised travel times.
Modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes by using the fuselage as a Faraday cage, which safely conducts electricity around the exterior of the cabin. However, mandatory inspections are required following such incidents to ensure no damage was sustained to the avionics or the airframe.
