On 18 May 2019, Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS(WL) had to return to its departure airport in Spain due to an incident.
The Boeing 737-8AS(WL) registered EI-DHN was heading from Girona to Charleroi on flight FR6901 when the aircraft has been hit by a lightning strike while climbing from its departure airport.
The aircraft took off at 12:30 local and landed almost 34 minutes later.
People on board were not in danger, as the aircraft is a Faraday cage, but the pilots made the decision to turn back as a precaution.
The passengers eventually arrived at Charleroi with a 3-hour delay, on another aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 registered EI-DWP, with flight number RYR690.
The aircraft with the incident made a ferry flight to Barcelona the same evening.
Ryanair statement
“This flight from Girona to Brussels Charleroi (18 May) returned to Girona shortly after take-off after the aircraft encountered a lightning strike. In line with procedures the crew contacted ATC and the aircraft landed normally. Engineers inspected the aircraft at Girona before clearing it to return to service. Customers boarded a replacement aircraft which departed shortly after to Brussels Charleroi. Ryanair sincerely apologised to all customers for this delay, which is entirely outside of our control.”