Air Malta flight grounded in Paris after being struck by lightning

Air Malta flight KM478 from Malta to Paris was this morning hit by lightning during the approach into the airport.  It went on to land safely in Paris.

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 of engineers to service the aircraft, check all systems and certify it fit for flight. 

As a result, other flights operated by the airline may be delayed. Air Malta apologized for the inconvenience caused.