Created Monday, Nov 17th 2025 07:25Z, last updated Monday, Nov 17th 2025 07:25Z
A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration HB-JHA performing flight
LX-18 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Newark,NJ (USA) with 120 people on board, was descending through about 11000 feet towards Newark when the aircraft received a lightning strike prompting the crew to request priority. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Newark's runway 22L about 15 minutes later.
The airline confirmed a lightning strike, as a precaution the crew requested a priority landing. Maintenance detected traces of a lightning strike, the return flight was cancelled and the passengers rebooked onto other flights.
Passengers reported cabin crew were just performing the final checks for landing when a loud bang and bright flash occurred, a burning smell on board developed and disappeared again. The flight crew announced they had just received a lightning strike, all systems were working normally. The aircraft was received and checked by emergency services after landing.
The aircraft is still on the ground in Newark about 32 hours after landing.
Related Flight:
LX18,
Swiss News
