{"id":456673,"date":"2025-06-03T05:17:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T05:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/?p=456673"},"modified":"2025-11-19T09:21:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T09:21:46","slug":"flying-during-thunderstorm-are-you-safe-or-sorry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.akbartravels.com\/in\/blogs\/flying-during-thunderstorm-are-you-safe-or-sorry\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying During Thunderstorm: Are You Safe or Sorry?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you have the courage to brave the eye of the thunderstorm? <\/em>Everyone loves the monsoon season, but what about when there\u2019s a severe thunderstorm warning? They are so moody and perfect when marvelling at the view from indoors, but imagine being close up with the giant storm on a flight. Let\u2019s scare away your biggest flight foe by unveiling a few secrets about flying during thunderstorm because it is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost all the fear of flying comes from not knowing enough about how a plane and its pilots master flying in thunderstorm and come out victorious on the other side. Read further to uncover facts that will rain on all your worries, making monsoon your favourite season to explore soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note:<\/strong> There are various kinds of thunderstorms, some dangerous, some beatable. So, if your flight gets cancelled due to tumultuous weather conditions, it is for a valid reason. However, you shouldn\u2019t hesitate to grab those cheap flight tickets<\/a> during the monsoon season!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the Mind of the Pilot: How is Aircraft Damage Avoided?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pilots in an aircraft
Image credit: Unsplash\/Blake Guidry<\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s estimated that around 40,000 thunderstorms assail the globe yearly. Does this stop all the flights? Never! Flying during thunderstorm is only possible due to the recent technological advancements and engineering feats. These make flying in thunderstorm feel safe, even with lightning. To make you feel safer when flying through a storm, let\u2019s take a peek at the things pilots do to avoid the thunderstorm completely, fly through it, or fly around it with ease:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aircraft weather tracking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All modern aircraft have an onboard weather tracking radar, providing colour-coded information regarding storm density so pilots can decide if it’s safer to carry out flying through thunderstorm or go around. The tracking system indicates green for a small shower, yellow or orange marks higher precipitation and red for a full-blown thunderstorm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also rely on weather forecast reports to plan trips accordingly and decide if there\u2019s a need to reroute. A plane flying in thunderstorm also receives signals from ground-based radar systems. So, always think you\u2019ve got the best pilot in the world and remain calm aboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distancing the Aircraft<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Considering the weather radar information, pilots must fly 20 Nautical Miles away from the stormy area at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communicating with Other Pilots & ATC<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Considering updated storm movements and predictions, the ATC instructs pilots to reroute flights accordingly when flying during thunderstorm. Other pilots who have previously flown through the area direct aircraft behind them and provide real-time updates regarding the storm conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing Altitudes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To avoid engine icing at high altitudes, since thunderstorms always contain supercooled water droplets, the aircraft flies above the clouds.  The aircraft has anti-icing systems to ensure no buildup. Aircraft also have windshield defoggers, so pilots maintain a clear view of their surroundings even in a storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smooth Take-Off & Landing Planning  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dealing with microburst winds and wind shear is crucial when landing or taking off. Pilots are well-trained under their pilot study to perform such moves, so the passengers need not worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did your aircraft take an emergency landing? No worries! Secure online hotel booking at best rates<\/a> so you can relax without worrying about the storm and remaining safe. Don\u2019t hesitate to secure all-inclusive holiday tour packages<\/a> to explore India or international spots in the monsoon because every pilot is a pro at beating the storm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Your Worse Fears? Let\u2019s Address Them<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aircraft<\/a>
Aircraft landing in storm weather conditions
Image credit: Pixabay\/Prashant Pradhan<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is thunderstorm? Thunderstorm meaning a few hours of violent weather conditions, characterised by thunder, lightning, and strong winds. Worried about whether flying in thunderstorm dangerous? Here are some details of the experience you will have on board while your aircraft is directed through stormy weather. Having a general idea of what you can expect while flying during thunderstorm can prepare you for the worst, hence reducing stress throughout the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turbulence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best friend of flying during thunderstorm, turbulence is the most expected occurrence. The ride might feel a bit more bumpy than usual; however, there\u2019s no need to panic, as this does not indicate a crash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore: How to Deal with Turbulence: The Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Journey.<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sudden Electricity Disruptions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lights turned on and off? Does this indicate the electricity is out? Very rarely, as most modern aircraft have backup systems that prevent electricity cuts.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delays and Reroutes Along the Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the pilot finds a safer route to avoid the storm, you bet they will take it. This rerouting might cause some disruptions in your plans; however, it also ensures the safety of those aboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loud Sounds (if lightning strikes)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hear a loud bang? That\u2019s probably just lightning hitting the aircraft. Is it something you should be particularly worried about? Read further to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Busting Myths at Lightning Speed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Thunderstorm<\/a>
Thunderstorm in the distance
Image credit: Pixabay\/Albrecht Fietz<\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most travellers’ mind is fogged by incorrect information about flying during thunderstorm, which causes unnecessary fear. Let\u2019s bust those myths so you can be the calm one aboard, prepared for a happy vacation on landing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: A lightning strike is enough to cause a plane crash.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fact:<\/strong> Planes can handle lightning.<\/strong> The charge never enters the cabins as the surface is made of aluminium, which keeps lightning at bay. Usually, the charge will hit a wing or the nose of the plane, travel on the plane\u2019s surface, and be dispelled at the tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a real danger if it hits the engine? No, as it never reaches the fuel tanks or inside the cabin. The lightning you see when flying during lightning storm is the least of your worries.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: A pilot will fly through a thunderstorm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fact<\/strong>: As you see in the sections above, pilots avoid flying through the heart of the storm<\/strong>. They will instead fly at the edges or at a safe enough distance to avoid damage of any kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If no reroutes are available, the pilot will aim for an emergency landing at nearby airports if the weather is too dangerous for flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: Expect a rough landing when there\u2019s a thunderstorm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fact:<\/strong> Regardless of strong winds or heavy rainfall, pilots are trained to get the plane to land smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore tips to handle flight delays and cancellations<\/a> for stress-free flying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What NOT to Do When Flying During Thunderstorm?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Passengers<\/a>
Passengers aboard the aircraft
Image credit: Shutterstock\/PradeepGaurs<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n