Two Air New Zealand flights have been struck by lightning today on their way to Queenstown.
Passengers on one the of the planes reported that it shook and one said there was a smell of burning.
Both planes diverted to Christchurch for check-ups.
WERE YOU ON EITHER OF THE FLIGHTS? EMAIL US |
Air New Zealand said: "Flight NZ605 from Wellington to Queenstown and flight NZ621 from Auckland to Queenstown diverted to Christchurch after encountering lightning this afternoon.
"Customers have been accommodated on alternative services and by road.
"The A320 aircraft are undergoing standard engineering checks in Christchurch.
"Lightning strikes are not uncommon. Aircraft are designed with this in mind and our pilots train for this scenario."
One of the passengers on NZ605 said there was a lot of turbulence and the plane quickly gained altitude.
Another passenger on the plane, Ben Taylor, of Wanaka, said: "There was a really loud bang. The whole plane shook and the skies outside the plane were brightly lit up. Afterwards, there was an acrid, burning smell for a few seconds."
Barb Macandrew, also of Wanaka who was on one of the planes, said the lightning strike was "terrifying".
