An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was struck by lightning on Monday evening, startling passengers but leaving everyone on board unharmed.
Travelers on Flight NZ676 described a sudden, “deafening bang” followed by a bright flash as the aircraft passed through storm clouds shortly after takeoff. The pilot diverted the flight to Christchurch as a precautionary measure, where engineers carried out safety inspections.
Crew Responded Calmly After Lightning Strike
Passengers said the crew remained calm and professional, quickly reassuring everyone after the loud explosion and visible light outside the cabin. According to Air New Zealand, the aircraft landed safely and no injuries were reported.
The airline confirmed the plane will undergo detailed maintenance checks before returning to service. Lightning strikes on aircraft, while dramatic, are rare causes of damage thanks to modern safety design and electrical shielding.
Weather Behind the Sudden Event
MetService reported isolated thunderstorms across the Auckland region on Monday evening, with heavy rain and active lightning cells detected near the flight path. Aviation authorities noted that such strikes are occasionally unavoidable during strong convective weather systems.
Passengers from the affected flight were re-accommodated on later services to Dunedin, while those connecting through Christchurch received travel assistance and updates through the airline’s digital channels.
Air New Zealand Praised for Swift Handling
Many travelers praised Air New Zealand’s professionalism, noting that the crew managed the situation efficiently. Aviation experts said the diversion and inspection reflect strong operational safety standards.
The airline reminded passengers that aircraft are designed to handle lightning strikes safely and that diversions are a standard precaution to ensure all systems remain fully operational.
Travellers Advised to Check Weather Updates
With an unsettled weather forecast for parts of the North Island this week, travellers are advised to monitor MetService alerts and check airline notifications before departure. For flight updates and travel advisories, visit airnewzealand.co.nz or follow Find New Zealand for the latest aviation and transport news.
