Chennai (Gurpreet Singh)— An Akasa Air flight traveling from Phuket to Bengaluru was forced to divert to Chennai on Wednesday after being struck by lightning during a period of severe weather. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX operating as flight QP 624, was navigating through adverse atmospheric conditions when the strike occurred, prompting the flight crew to follow established safety protocols and redirect the plane to the nearest suitable airport. Airline officials confirmed on Thursday that the aircraft landed safely in Chennai without further incident, and all passengers and crew members remained unharmed throughout the encounter.
Following the landing, the Boeing 737 MAX was grounded at Chennai airport to undergo comprehensive engineering inspections. In an official statement released on Thursday, Akasa Air emphasized that lightning strikes, while startling, are a known and manageable occurrence in modern aviation. The airline noted that all commercial aircraft are specifically designed and certified to withstand such electrical discharges, and their flight crews are rigorously trained to maintain the highest safety standards during such events. As a precautionary measure, the technical team is performing standard structural and electronic checks before the aircraft is cleared to return to active service.
While the exact number of passengers on board the international flight has not been disclosed, the airline confirmed that it took immediate steps to minimize the inconvenience caused by the diversion. Passengers were provided with hotel accommodations or alternative surface transport options to help them reach their final destination in Bengaluru. Akasa Air reiterated that the safety of its passengers and staff remains its primary priority, and the decision to ground the plane for detailed checks is a standard part of their commitment to operational integrity. The incident serves as a reminder of the robust engineering and training protocols that safeguard commercial air travel during unseasonal or turbulent weather patterns.
