A LATAM flight traveling from Antofagasta to Santiago landed safely after being struck by lightning on October 20, 2026. The airline confirmed that flight LA341 completed its journey normally and that all passengers disembarked safely.

Passenger footage captured a sudden bright flash during the flight, with reports describing a loud bang and startled reactions inside the cabin. Nervous laughter followed as travelers reacted to the unexpected moment. The incident occurred during unsettled weather affecting central Chile.

In a statement reported by Chilean broadcaster T13, LATAM explained that its aircraft are designed and certified to withstand lightning strikes, with protective systems that safely dissipate the electrical discharge. The airline said the strike did not prevent a normal arrival at Santiago Airport.

How common are lightning strikes on aircraft?

Although the experience can be alarming for passengers, lightning strikes are a recognized part of commercial aviation. According to the US National Weather Service, a commercial passenger aircraft is struck by lightning an average of once or twice a year. That figure applies to individual aircraft over a year of operations, rather than to each flight.

Airbus also explains that aircraft are designed to limit the effects of lightning so that a strike does not compromise flight safety. The intense flash passengers see therefore does not, by itself, indicate serious damage to the aircraft.

A frightening moment followed by a normal arrival

The video drew attention because it captured how sudden a lightning strike can appear from inside an aircraft. For those aboard LA341, the flash interrupted an otherwise routine journey, but LATAM’s account confirms that the flight reached its destination and passengers left the aircraft safely.

Δείτε αυτή τη δημοσίευση στο Instagram.

Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη GDN Online (@gdnonline)