Lightning struck Qantas plane QF1206 from Perth to Port Hedland diverted to Karratha Airport

Passengers travelling to Port Hedland onboard a Qantas flight have had their plans delayed after their plane was struck by a bolt of lightning. The plane, QF1206, departed Perth at 6.48am this morning and was scheduled to arrive in Port Hedland at 8.55am but instead was forced to land at Karratha Airport at 9.17am. Affected passengers were re-accommodated onto a flight from Karratha to Port Hedland and was scheduled to arrive after lunch. The forced stop in Karratha and transfer onto another flight has caused the passengers a two-hour delay with the flight landing at the Port Hedland International Airport at 11.17am The original plane will be assessed by engineers for damage. A Qantas spokesperson said at no point was the safety of the flight compromised. “Aircraft are designed to withstand and fly safely when struck by lightning but it is policy that they get inspected at their arrival port after a strike,” they said.