Centrum Air Delays Tashkent–Guangzhou Flight After Lightning Strike

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air said it was forced to delay its Tashkent–Guangzhou–Tashkent flight after an aircraft operating a previous leg on the route was struck by lightning during flight.

The airline explained that, in accordance with current aviation standards and safety requirements, the aircraft was immediately taken out of service for a full technical inspection, diagnostics, and necessary repair work.

Following the inspection, the carrier decided to replace the aircraft assigned to the route, which led to a change in the schedule and a delay of the return flight originally planned for May 16.

During the waiting period, passengers were accommodated in a hotel and provided with three meals per day, the airline said.

According to the updated schedule, the departure from Guangzhou is planned for 20:25 local time on 18 May, with arrival in Tashkent expected at 00:50 the following day.