Lightning strike leads to delays at stansted

Scores of flights were disrupted after a lightning strike damaged a fuelling system at Stansted.

More than 200 planes were delayed at the airport near London after a thunderstorm and lightning strikes overnight on Saturday.

Another 31 departures and 18 arrivals were cancelled yesterday morning at the airport, according to Flightstats.

Disruption and delays continued after the damage was repaired and passengers were warned to check before travelling.

Customers complained on social media about queues at security and delays on the tarmac.

Stansted said in a statement: “Due to an earlier lightning strike, the aircraft fuelling system was unavailable for a period this morning.

“Engineers have been on site and have now restored the system, however flights may still be subject to diversion, delay or cancellation.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and advise all passengers to check with their airlines for their latest flight updates.”

Ryanair could not say how many of its flights had been affected. A spokesman said: “All affected customers are being contacted and advised of their options of a full refund, a free transfer on to the next available flight or a free transfer on to an alternative routing.”