Lucknow (UP): An IndiGo flight carrying 104 passengers from Patna was forced to make an emergency landing at Lucknow airport after being struck by lightning at an altitude of 17,000 feet. The severe impact caused noticeable damage to the nose section of the aircraft (Flight 6E925).

All 104 passengers and crew members on board landed safely without any reported injuries.

Ground operations teams spotted the structural damage to the nose cone immediately after touchdown, prompting airport authorities and the airline to declare the aircraft as "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG). Technical inspection teams were immediately deployed to inspect the extent of the damage.

“The aircraft landed normally around 4 pm and there were no reports of any injuries. The damage was noticed by the airport team after landing, following which the IndiGo team was informed and the aircraft was declared Aircraft on Ground (AOG),” an official said, citing preliminary information.

“The aircraft is undergoing a technical inspection and further necessary action. As part of the preliminary assessment, the possibility of the aircraft encountering lightning during adverse weather conditions is being examined,” the airport official added.

The aircraft remains grounded in Lucknow as detailed engineering checks and investigations continue.

(With PTI inputs)