Edinburgh plane struck by lightning forced to land

A Ryanair flight bound for Alicante was forced to land in Glasgow Prestwick Airport after being struck by lightning. Picture: PA

A PASSENGER flight from Edinburgh to Alicante was forced to land at Glasgow Prestwick after being struck by lightning this evening.

The incident happened shortly after the Ryanair flight took off from Edinburgh at about 18:15.

Following standard procedures, it was diverted to the nearest available airport.

Engineers inspected the aircraft and it was able to take off for Alicante a short time later after being given the all-clear.

A Ryanair spokesman said: “We apologise to passengers affected by this short delay, however the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority.”