Air NZ flight grounded by lightning strike

An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Perth has been grounded after being struck by lightning.

According to The Aviation Herald, which records aircraft incidents, the Boeing 787-9 was making its descent into Perth on Thursday when it was hit by lightning.

It reportedly made a safe landing, but was left with scorch marks on the fuselage and was unable to make its return flight.

After undergoing repairs, the plane was flown back to Auckland on Saturday.

Fairfax reported that an Air New Zealand spokeswoman had confirmed the Dreamliner’s return to New Zealand and it was “being assessed by engineers” before being put back into service.