Air Malta has advised that its flight KM7828 from Malta to Tel Aviv was hit by lightning this morning during the approach into the airport. No one was injured and the aircraft landed safely in Tel Aviv.

A spokesperson for Air Malta said it is fairly normal in commercial aviation for aircraft to be struck by lightning and aircraft were protected and certified in this regard. Passengers, crew and aircraft were never in any danger.

The spokesperson added that standard procedure entails that the aircraft is checked after the flight. The airline is planning to operate a relief aircraft this evening with a team on engineers to service the aircraft, check all systems and certify it fit for flight. This aircraft is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv at around midnight.

As a consequence of this incident six other flights will be delayed as per following table:

KM 624 Malta – Milan delay 4hrs 50min – Dep time 12:45pm

KM 514 Malta – Vienna delay 30 min – Dep time 03:00pm

KM 328 Malta – Frankfurt delay 30 min – Dep time 03:50pm

KM146 Malta – Manchester delay 55 min – Dep time 04:30pm

KM 642 Malta – Catania delay 1hr 45 min – Dep time 06:35pm

KM 696 Malta – Tripoli delay 3hrs 45 min – dep time 08:45pm

The return flights to Malta will operate around an hour after their arrival time at the foreign airport.

Air Malta, the spokesman said, gave utmost importance to the safety and well-being of its clients and crew and apologised to its clients for any inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond its control.

Permalink: Air Malta plane hit by lightning at Tel Aviv, no injuries, but flight delays