On Saturday afternoon, China Southern Airlines flight CZ3209, scheduled to fly from Shenzhen to Wuxi, was grounded following a lightning strike. The Airbus A321 was taxiing at Shenzhen airport during a severe thunderstorm when the incident occurred. According to reports, the flight crew opted to abandon the departure and return the aircraft to the gate to ensure passenger safety.

Following the strike, ground inspections revealed 20 distinct lightning strike marks on the plane’s exterior. The incident was initially reported by The First Scene, a news outlet affiliated with the Shenzhen Media Group. While the aircraft was damaged, there were no reports of injuries to passengers or crew members. The flight was subsequently delayed as the airline assessed the aircraft's airworthiness and safety protocols following the electrical discharge. The event highlights the risks posed by severe weather to ground operations at major aviation hubs.