On March 25, 2019, Emirates Airbus A380 was reportedly struck by multiple lightning as it was on approach to Munich International Airport (MUC) in Germany. The aircraft remained in Germany for two days, returning to Dubai (UAE) on March 27, 2019.
Despite multiple lightning strikes, the aircraft (A6-EOK) landed safely, according to reports. However, the return flight to Dubai later that day was cancelled and the superjumbo remained in Germany until March 27, 2019. Based on flightradar24 data, it has not yet returned to service.
Lightning strikes are relatively frequent. In the United States, each passenger aircraft is struck by lightning more than once a year, according to one estimation. In most cases, it affects aircraft in take-off or landing stages, as lightning is more common at 5,000 to 15,000 feet (1,524 to 4,572 meters) altitude.
A video below shows a lightning strike from a passenger’s perspective. The aircraft in this video is not Emirates A380.