Image: Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Unlike large commercial passenger airplanes, which are struck by lightning only once or twice a year, airports can be hit many times, depending on their locations.
Most major terminals utilize lightning warning systems that allow them to halt operations and move everyone inside when there is a nearby storm. Typically, if a lightning strike occurs with 5 mi (8 km) of the terminal, safety measures go into effect, and operations are halted until no strikes are detected for 15 minutes to safeguard ground crews, especially those refueling aircraft.
“Airports often experience dozens to hundreds of lightning strikes annually, particularly in lightning-prone regions such as Florida,” Carlos T. Mata, chief technology officer, Scientific Lightning Solutio…
