Air Malta plane struck by lightning

No one was injured when an Air Malta flight KM7828 from Malta to Tel Aviv was hit by lightning during the approach into the airport. The aircraft landed safely in Tel Aviv, this morning.

According to an Air Malta spokesperson, it was "fairly normal" in commercial aviation for aircraft to be struck by lightning.  Aircraft, the spokesperson said, were protected and certified in this regard. Passengers, crew and aircraft were never in any danger.

The standard procedure entails that the aircraft is checked after the flight. The airline is now planning to operate a relief aircraft this evening with a team of 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:

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

"Air Malta 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," Air Malta said.