LATAM Airlines Flight Struck By Lightning Before Landing In Chile; Viral Video Shows Blinding Flash And Loud Bang

A passenger aboard a LATAM Airlines flight from Antofagasta to Santiago, Chile, recorded the moment lightning struck the aircraft just minutes before landing on Tuesday. The video has since gained widespread attention on social media.

The footage shows a sudden loud noise followed by a bright flash that briefly illuminated the cabin, startling passengers. The incident occurred as a severe weather system brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to Chile's Metropolitan Region.

⚡✈️ UN RAYO IMPACTÓ A UN AVIÓN DE LATAM EN PLENO VUELO: NO HUBO HERIDOS Un impactante video registró el momento en que un rayo alcanzó a un avión de LATAM Airlines que viajaba desde Antofagasta hacia Santiago de Chile este martes, en medio de una fuerte tormenta eléctrica. La descarga provocó un estruendo y un destello que iluminó el interior de la aeronave, lo que generó temor entre los pasajeros. El episodio ocurrió minutos antes del aterrizaje en la capital chilena y rápidamente se viralizó en las redes sociales. Pese al susto, no hubo personas lesionadas y el avión aterrizó con normalidad en el Aeropuerto Arturo Merino Benítez. Desde LATAM explicaron que se trata de un fenómeno meteorológico para el que las aeronaves están diseñadas y certificadas. Además, cuentan con sistemas que permiten disipar las descargas eléctricas de manera segura. 📹 El momento quedó registrado por uno de los pasajeros.

— Hechos y Derecho (@Hechosanderecho) October 21, 2026

Despite the electrical strike, the plane maintained its approach and landed on schedule at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

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LATAM Airlines Issues Statement

In a statement following the incident, LATAM Airlines Group addressed the incident, reassuring the public about standard aviation safety protocols.

"This is a meteorological phenomenon for which the aircraft are designed and certified," the airline stated, adding that commercial aircraft feature specialised conductive structures engineered to allow electrical charges to safely disperse across the outer skin of the plane without affecting internal systems.

Netizens React

Since the video was shared online, it has garnered significant attention, with many users saying that aeroplanes are engineered to manage such atmospheric events.

"The aircraft are designed for these events… There is no reason why there should be any impediment to continuing their flight," one user commented.

Another added: "In aviation it’s a very normal event and planes are designed to withstand it without any problems."

Emirates Flight For Dubai Encounters Bird Strike 

In a separate incident earlier this month, an Emirates flight, scheduled to depart from IGI Airport, Delhi, for Dubai, was delayed following a bird strike on Saturday. The Emirates flight EK517 encountered a bird strike, resulting in a delay and causing trouble for Dubai-bound passengers.

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"Emirates flight EK517 from Dubai to Delhi on 17 October encountered a bird strike on arrival. As a result, the return flight EK517 from Delhi to Dubai will be delayed while the aircraft undergoes necessary repairs. Hotel accommodation is being arranged for affected passengers. The flight is now expected to depart at 07:00 Delhi local time on 18 October. Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised," the airline said. 

The video emerged from the IGI airport showed that the bird hit damaged the nose cone of the aircraft. Emirates flight EK 517 was scheduled to depart from Terminal 3 for Dubai at 4.25 pm on Saturday. However, the bird strike incident prevented the plane from taking off on schedule.

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