Lightning strike sparks chaos overnight at Luton Airport as flights cancelled and diverted due to ‘severe weather’

A LIGHTNING strike sparked chaos at Luton Airport overnight after air traffic control systems were knocked out. Passengers were left stranded as flights were cancelled and diverted as operations were suspended for around 95 minutes, with around 30 services affected. Lightning strikes wreaked chaos at London Luton Airport – stock image Credit: Alamy Flash flooding hit the airport and flights were cancelled – stock image Credit: Alamy The disruption began at around 5.40pm yesterday and continued until 7.15pm, the airport said. It came as severe thunderstorms swept across the area, bringing flash flooding to local roads and around the airport approach. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Passengers were warned that further delays and cancellations could continue as airlines worked to recover their schedules. A Luton Airport spokesperson said: “Flights to and from London Luton Airport have now resumed following an earlier suspension of operations caused by a lightning strike affecting Air Traffic Control equipment. “The disruption coincided with a period of severe weather across the area, resulting in flash flooding on local roads, and the airport approach. “As operations return to normal, some flights may continue to experience delays or cancellations as airlines work to recover their schedules.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now