The Manohar International Airport (MIA) in north Goa diverted six flights to nearby destinations following a lightning strike on Wednesday (May 22) evening that damaged the runway edge lights, as confirmed by an airport official.
RV Sheshan, spokesperson for GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL), stated that the airport authorities promptly addressed the issue caused by the lightning strike. The damaged lights were rectified and replaced to restore normal airport operations.
“At around 5.15 p.m., a lightning strike hit the Manohar International Airport (MIA), Goa, damaging the runway edge lights. MIA issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) until 8 p.m., during which time the damaged lights were repaired and replaced to normalize airport operations,” the MIA official said.
Six flights diverted to nearby airports
During the NOTAM period, six flights were diverted to nearby destinations, causing inconvenience to passengers. The airport official expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience caused, emphasising that such natural calamities are beyond human control.
“Six flights were diverted to nearby destinations during the NOTAM. The inconvenience caused to the passengers is sincerely regretted. Such natural calamities are beyond human control,” the officials added.