Source : Perth Now news
Western Australia’s busiest airport, which is used by state emergency services, has been completely shut down, after a lightning strike knocked out key taxi and runway lights.
Lighting cables, runway and taxi lights at Jandakot Airport, in Perth’s south, were damaged during a storm on Monday.
Jandakot Airport was contacted for comment, but a spokesman told The West a direct lightening strike on the airfield damaged lighting cables.
“Please note that a direct lightning strike on our airfield today has resulted in damage to lighting cables and almost all of our runway and taxiway lights have been damaged,” a spokesman said.
The airport is used by the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service, the RAC Rescue Helicopter and WA Police to respond to statewide incidents.
Disruptions to their operations are not expected.
“Unfortunately, this means that our runways and taxiways will not be available tonight and the aerodrome will not be available after sunset,” the spokesman continued.
“Jandakot Airport will endeavour to get at least one runway back and operational by tomorrow night.”
Perth has been hit by a series of cold fronts bringing wind gusts, thunderstorms, rain and hail to large parts of the city.
The Department of Fire and Emergency services said there was no impact to their operations, which includes the RAC Rescue Helicopter used to respond to life-threatening emergencies across the state.
A WA Police spokesman said while they do not comment on the operational availability, deployment, or readiness of aircraft capabilities, ensuring community safety remained a priority.
“The WA Police Force maintains a range of policing resources and capabilities to support operational requirements across the State,” a spokesman said.
“The WA Police Force continues to respond to incidents as required and does not discuss specific operational arrangements.”
