A lightning strike hit an IndiGo aircraft bound for Agartala at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Friday morning, causing panic among passengers and a temporary power outage inside the plane. The Airbus A320 Neo, carrying 141 passengers and six crew members, was preparing for departure when the incident occurred around 9:30 am.
Incident Details
The aircraft was stationed at Stand 56L with boarding completed and doors closed. A sudden lightning strike produced a blinding flash and deafening thunderclap, shaking passengers and crew. Power inside the cabin briefly went out, heightening anxiety. Some passengers reported temporary hearing difficulties.
Two ground staff members from AI Airport Services Ltd, who were on the tarmac near the aircraft, suffered shock and were taken to a hospital. They were discharged after treatment for temporary hearing loss and acute distress. An airport official explained that the lightning current traveled harmlessly along the aircraft's metallic exterior before dissipating into the ground, as modern aircraft are designed to withstand such strikes.
Safety Measures and Flight Delay
As a precaution, passengers were deboarded and taken back to the terminal. The airline conducted mandatory post-strike safety inspections to check for scorch marks, melted paint, or damage to communication and navigation equipment. After clearance, an alternative aircraft was arranged. The flight finally departed at 12:50 pm.
The ground staff injuries were attributed to ground current, where lightning hitting a tall object spreads electrical charge across the ground surface. This can disrupt heart rhythms, cause cardiac arrest, rupture eardrums, or trigger temporary paralysis. Fortunately, both workers recovered quickly.
Weather Disruption
The thunderstorm also caused waterlogging and traffic jams on roads leading to the airport, particularly on VIP Road near Haldiram's crossing. The Met office recorded 88 mm rainfall at Dum Dum. Travelers faced delays; a journey from Sector V to the airport took over an hour instead of the usual 30 minutes. Airlines issued advisories warning of possible delays and urging passengers to start early.
