An EasyJet flight bound for Italy returned to London Gatwick this afternoon after a huge lightning bolt struck the aircraft shortly after takeoff.

Flight U28305 using an Airbus A319 registered as G-EZDH departed Gatwick runway 08R at 2.22pm GMT on Thursday, May 14.

Ground witnesses looked on nervously as they saw the stormy conditions around the airport during departure. Lightning then dramatically struck the aircraft as it climbed through the clouds. The pilots then decided to continue the initial climb to around 16,000 feet while checking all systems.

However, it was then that the pilots declared priority status and requested an immediate return to London Gatwick under standard safety procedures.

Air traffic control guided the aircraft back for an immediate approach. A safe and normal landing followed on the same runway just 27 minutes after the initial departure. EasyJet confirmed the diversion in an official statement as a precautionary step.

Crew members then assisted passengers with updates on replacement aircraft or revised schedules while emergency services met the plane on arrival as routine practice.

Lightning strike details on the easyJet flight

Witness reports and flight data confirm the incident occurred during the climb phase in stormy weather. Mandatory post-strike inspections will have followed to verify all avionics and airframe components remained intact.

What happens when lightning hits an aircraft?

As aircraft climb through clouds, lightning can attach to extremities such as the nose or wingtips. Electricity then flows along the conductive outer skin and exits at another point like the tail. Passengers notice a bright flash or loud bang, while instruments may flicker briefly.

Modern fuselages function as a Faraday cage to direct electric current safely around the exterior and away from the cabin interior. Flight crews are trained in protocols to follow to assess systems before deciding on any diversion.

Can lightning cause serious damage to aircraft?

Design standards require aircraft to be able to survive high-current strikes without loss of control. Surface marks or pitting might appear at entry and exit points, and in many cases damage stays cosmetic.

Engineers conduct detailed checks afterward to rule out any internal effects on wiring or fuel systems. Commercial jets experience such strikes several times yearly with passengers and crew remaining safe throughout, and often none the wiser.

Rare historical incidents led to improved bonding and protection features now standard across fleets. This EasyJet event is in line with routine outcomes where aircraft land safely after precautionary returns. But, it was exciting, nonetheless!

Barcelona’s SIPS has been named the World’s Best Bar by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Also ranked in the global top three every year since 2022 and impressively crowned Best Bar in Europe for three consecutive years. Now it is coming to Marbella. SIPS has announced a residency at the Bar La Plaza in the luxurious Puente Romano resort. 

A bar built by two of the industry’s most decorated names

SIPS opened in Barcelona in 2021 as the brainchild of Marc Alvarez and Simone Caporale. Caporale previously led the team at Artesian in London, where the bar claimed the World’s Best Bar title four consecutive times, a record that still stands. Alvarez, who is known throughout the industry as one of the world’s leading mixologists, has built his reputation on technical precision and an uncompromising approach to quality.

In 2023, SIPS claimed the No.1 spot at The World’s 50 Best Bars, earning both the World’s Best Bar and Best Bar in Europe titles simultaneously. It has retained the Best Bar in Europe title in 2024 and 2025, ranking No.3 globally in both years. At the 2025 ceremony held in Hong Kong, Caporale was additionally honoured with the Industry Icon Award, one of the most prestigious individual accolades in the drinks world.

La Plaza at Puente Romano is the perfect fit and just makes sense

Now Marbella gets to enjoy some of SIPS creations. Bar La Plaza sits at the centre of Puente Romano Marbella, a luxury resort that is also home to Nobu, GAIA, Leña  and Cipriani. It oozes sophistication, so this residency with its creative mixology programme sits perfectly as a collaboration. 

What will I be sipping this summer at SIPS

Bar La Plaza by SIPS will carry a menu representing the bar’s creative range. Confirmed cocktails include the Bubble Pornstar Martini, vodka, coffee reduction, passion fruit and vanilla, the Paloma Santoni Spritz, made with white tequila and Amaro Santoni and the Maple Wood Old Fashioned, maple syrup, fragrant sherry and tonka bean. All a true reflection of  SIPS approach of working with clean, identifiable flavours and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

How to book your table

Bar La Plaza is open daily from 6pm to 3am, with reservations available on (+34) 682 112 233. Given the reputation that precedes SIPS and the popularity predicted by this residency, booking early is advisable.

Everyone in Mijas and surrounds will soon be able to enjoy the live music, international gastronomy and traditional dances at the II Festival Somos Uno (we are one). Organised by the Asociación Cubanos Unidos, the multicultural celebration takes place on the boulevard in La Cala de Mijas from 28 to 31 May. Opening times stretch from 12pm to midnight each day to maximise enjoyment for locals and tourists. Last year’s event was a huge hit with everyone that had the whole of La Cala de Mijas dancing in the streets.

Countries participating in II Festival Somos Uno Mijas

Representatives from eleven nations will be contributing cultural and gastronomic elements to the festival. Argentina joins the Netherlands, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Spain, Peru, Chile and Italy in this celebration of unity. Stands will be offering traditional food, drinks and crafts from each country throughout the event duration. Participants share their heritage in a spirit of friendship and mutual understanding.

Activities planned for the II Festival Somos Uno

Live performances are scheduled to entertain crowds during afternoon and evening slots. Folk exhibitions and typical dances entertain visitors while international cuisine satisfies appetites.

Cultural integration receives encouragement through this gathering that promotes respect and exchange on the Costa del Sol. Neighbours and guests experience a space where cultures unite via music, art and tradition.

Collaboration behind the II Festival Somos Uno

Support comes from the Mijas Council plus the San Miguel brand. After the success of last year’s event, this collaboration makes the occasion one of the key multicultural appointments in the area. Local authorities are working to make sure of the success of such initiatives that bring communities closer.

Comments from Mijas councillor on Festival Somos Uno

Commitment to diversity and coexistence receives reaffirmation with the second year of the festival. Different cultures constitute one people under a shared message explained by Vía Pública councillor Melisa Ceballos. Her words stress the importance of this annual gathering for encouraging positive relations among residents from multiple backgrounds. Such events strengthen community bonds.