An Embraer E-190 passenger jet registered SP-LMC operated by LOT Polish Airlines was forced to return to Warsaw shortly after takeoff following a lightning strike en route to Istanbul as flight LO135.
The aircraft departed from Warsaw Chopin Airport but turned back as a precautionary measure after being struck during the ascending phase of the flight. According to airline spokesperson Krzysztof Moczulski, the captain opted to return to ensure safety, despite no immediate signs of damage. The flight entered a hold and landed one hour after departure.
Passengers were safely transferred to another aircraft (Embraer E195 reg. SP-LNI) to continue their journey with a delay of 1 hour and 45 minutes. No injuries were reported. The affected aircraft is undergoing a standard technical inspection, expected to take several hours, before returning to service—likely within a day.
Lightning strikes are relatively common in aviation, with most aircraft experiencing at least one per year, and are typically managed without lasting effects due to robust aircraft design and safety systems.
Source: TVP World, Flightradar24.com