An easyJet flight bound for Amsterdam sustained a lightning strike shortly after departure from Manchester on 12 May 2024. Following the event, flight crew elected to continue the service to Amsterdam.
easyJet flight U22179, an Airbus A320-200 bound for Amsterdam Schiphol airport (AMS) was in the early stages of its climb when the incident occurred.
easyJet U22179 Manchester-Amsterdam
Having made a departure from RWY23R Manchester airport (MAN), the flight was on climb in the Manchester region when it was struck by lightning.
Flight crew did not detect any abnormal indications after the event, and subsequently collected to continue the onwards flight to the destination.
The shorthaul flight landed approximately an hour after departing Manchester without further incident. The return service to Manchester however was cancelled as a result of the incident.
Thunderstorm activity was predicted in the Manchester terminal region at the time of the flight’s departure.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that the flight U22179 rotation made a late departure out of Manchester airport on 12 May. The flight made an actual time of departure of 19:59 local time, against the scheduled departure time of 18:25 local.
The aircraft conducted a continuous climb to cruising altitude FL310 (31,000 feet) for the short hop service to Amsterdam.
It was not subject of an emergency declaration and flight crew continued the service under normal operating procedures.
The aircraft conducting the service was an Airbus A320-200, registered G-EZPD. This is an eight-year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier easyJet.
It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery in March 2016.
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