The passengers of Swiss flight LX1512 had a somewhat awkward journey on Sunday on their way from Zurich to Graz. The Embraer E190-E2 operated by Helvetic Airways was struck by lightning around 20 minutes after take-off and is returning to Switzerland's largest airport for safety reasons.
The HB-AZB was used, which turned a few laps near Lake Constance on the way back to Zurich-Kloten. There were official information on board after 93 passengers. They and the crew members were able to leave the aircraft safely. Helvetic Airways temporarily withdrew the machine from service for the purpose of a technical inspection. According to Swiss, the travelers were flown to Graz with a replacement aircraft.
Compared to “20 Minuten”, Helvetic Airways confirmed that HB-AZB was damaged in the area of the left wing due to the lightning strike. Swiss explained that the replacement aircraft could leave Zurich-Kloten Airport at around 20:15 p.m. In Graz, the connection to Switzerland was delayed due to the lightning strike.