A Wizz Air flight traveling from Bratislava to Košice was forced to return to its origin after being struck by lightning during its descent. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang followed by the smell of burning in the front section of the cabin before the aircraft climbed back into the air.
Emergency Return to Bratislava
Following the incident, an English-speaking pilot informed passengers that the aircraft had to return to Bratislava. It was only upon landing that it was confirmed the plane had been hit by lightning.
The flight took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 15, during a journey that typically lasts one hour. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was on its fifth flight of the day, though such planes sometimes complete up to eight flights daily.
Flight Path and Weather Challenges
The Airbus had initially attempted to bypass a storm by flying north over Spišskú Nová Ves. However, the aircraft eventually entered the storm clouds over the village of Široké, where the strike occurred.
A pilot with more than 15 years of experience in civil aviation explained that lightning strikes are very difficult to predict during storms. He noted that such events are often a matter of chance and misfortune, as lightning will find a path.
Passenger Accounts
Passengers described the flight as relatively calm although they experienced turbulence prior to the lightning strike. Former Foreign Minister Miroslav Wlachovský noted that the sound of the bang and the smell of burning were unsettling, describing the technical problem and the subsequent return to Bratislava as “non-standard.”
Given the unpredictable nature of storm activity, future flights on this route may continue to face similar atmospheric challenges, and airlines could maintain cautious routing strategies during severe weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Wizz Air flight to return to Bratislava?
The aircraft was struck by lightning during its approach to Košice, which caused a loud bang and a smell of burning in the front of the cabin.
Where exactly did the lightning strike occur?
The aircraft entered a storm and was struck while flying over the village of Široké, after previously attempting to avoid the weather by flying north over Spišskú Nová Ves.
How often does the flight between Bratislava and Košice operate?
The route has been operating twice daily since November 2025.
Do you feel more confident in flight safety when pilots prioritize returning to the origin airport over attempting a landing during technical issues?
