Jet2 passenger 'can't stop thinking about it' as lightning strikes plane and sparks huge bang

James Wood was on his way back to Leeds Bradford Airport from Kardamena in Greece when a bolt of lightning hit the plane, causing a loud bang and a bright flash of light

James Wood from Leeds recounted the "scary" moment his life flashed before his eyes after lightning hit the plane he was on. Despite this terrifying experience, James remains undeterred and has resolved to fly again claiming it's "a must".

Still haunted by the what-ifs, James was eager for a routine return to normal life as he travelled home from Kardamena in Greece. But fate had other plans as the weather turned their flight into a dramatic tale of survival.

Approaching Bradford Airport, all seemed calm until the Jet2 aircraft he was aboard suddenly took a terrifying turn.

It was a mere few minutes before landing when darkness loomed outside his window, and without warning, a bolt of lightning tore through the sky, striking the aircraft with a deafening roar. The passengers sat engulfed in stunned silence until their safe arrival was assured by the pilot once they touched down on the tarmac.

Recollecting the harrowing event, James expressed, "I saw the lightning but didn't see where it hit the plane. Just minutes earlier I had told my partner about the dark clouds but did not expect the lightning or for it to strike us," reports Leeds Live.

He further added his observations about the noise: "The sound of it hitting us was a little loud but it was probably louder on the ground around surrounding areas due to sound proof materials on the plane. After it happened, we were on the ground around five or so minutes later but we had to wait at very end of runway as other planes were unloading their passengers.

"The thunder and lightning must have worried the pilots as I could see another plane's lights in sky ready to land. As we waited for our turn to disembark, the captain confirmed in the announcement that the lightning had hit us - but the plane was ok and had no damage.

"When it was finally our time to leave the aircraft, we used the tunnel connecting to the airport instead of the steps - which I presume was to keep us safe from any more lightning.

"I have never liked flying but it's a must to enjoy the beautiful sun and places, so no I will be flying next year for definite. It was a scary experience but I am just grateful that the jet2 plane stood it's ground and there was no damage. What happened will always be on my mind but I am glad we were safe.

"I thought the experience would scare me off but I have never liked flying but it's a must to enjoy the beautiful sun and places, so, I will be flying next year for definite."

People living in the surrounding areas of Leeds also took to Reddit to comment on a 'sonic boom' noise, which left them confused until it was confirmed that a plane had been struck by lightning. StoveHound said: "We saw it. A lightning strike hit a plane going over Hunslet/Belle Isle. It was honestly so loud and we were parked right under it."

This was also backed up by ukSpitfire90 who added: "Yeah, lightning hit a plane literally just above me as i was coming out of Hunselt Morrisons. Was so loud."