Air Canada's Tel Aviv bound flight was forced to divert to Cyprus after lightning strike causes damage to aircraft’s wing.
As a result of the strike, the pilot made an 180 degree turn and landed in Cyprus. The plane was carrying 300 passengers and crew members. The passengers were all transferred to hotels.
Air Canada's office in Israel issued a response saying, "Lightning struck one of our aircraft yesterday, causing damage to the wing, consequentially grounding the plane."
The incident happened in the middle of the storm, and the pilot decided that he could not land in those conditions with a damaged wing, and thus decided to land in Cyprus. Our primary concern is for the safety of our passengers, and the safety of the flight. The plane landed in Cyprus and the passengers were put up in hotels. Air Canada has sent out an empty 'dreamliner' with technicians, and parts on board.
