A lightning strike damages Brisbane Airport’s runway, punching hand-sized holes and forcing the runway to close for about eight hours on Tuesday. Passengers report the impact sounded like an explosion, and flight operations are disrupted during the closure.
Multiple outlets describe storms moving through south-east Queensland at the time of the incident. Several reports note the event is rare, with one outlet saying it has not been seen in decades. Daily Mail highlights an airport warning to travellers that the runway was closed for repairs after the strike.
Overall coverage focuses on the damage, the lengthy runway closure, and the passenger experience of the unusual event. Outlets largely agree on the key timeline and the impact on airport operations, with differences mainly in the emphasis placed on rarity versus traveller guidance.