The Air Malta aircraft that was struck by lightning yesterday evening was not damaged and has already reentered normal service, the airline said.

Air Malta's aircraft, 9H-AEH, was struck by lightning as it was approaching Malta. It was hit on the front part.

A spokesperson for Air Malta said it was fairly normal in commercial aviation for aircraft to be struck by lightning and aircraft were protected and certified in this regard. Passengers, crew and aircraft were never in any danger.

The spokesman said that standard procedure entails that the aircraft is checked after the flight. This check, by the airline's engineers, revealed that no damage was sustained by the aircraft.

Air Malta, the spokesman said, gave utmost importance to the safety and well-being of its clients and crew and apologised to its clients for any inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond its control.