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An easyJet flight was struck by lightning moments after taking off from London Gatwick. The airline's flight U28305 departed the major London air hub at 2.22pm on Thursday, May 14.

Passengers and crew were aboard an Airbus A319 registered G-EZDH, on their way to Milan, in Italy. But moments into the flight, the aircraft was struck by lightning. In line with the airline's protocol, the pilots decided to return to Gatwick, where the aircraft landed safely.

An easyJet spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying the flight "returned to London Gatwick shortly after take off following a lightning strike in line with procedures."

They added: "The aircraft is equipped to safely withstand lightning and at no point was the safety of the flight compromised.

"The pilot performed a routine landing where we provided customers with refreshments in the terminal and arranged for a replacement crew and aircraft to continue the flight to Milan later that evening.

"The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines."

A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said: "We can confirm the EZY8305 A319 requested an emergency landing at London Gatwick after a reported lightning strike shortly after departure yesterday (May 14). It returned to the airport where it landed safely."

While a similar incident may be scary, modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes and safely channel electrical currents away from passengers.