An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER operating flight EK205 from Milan Malpensa to New York JFK was forced to turn around after flying through a hailstorm.
The aircraft flew through hail just minutes after departure resulting in shattering both windshields.
The crew requested an immediate return but were forced to burn off fuel first to meet the landing weight requirements. The 777 landed 90 minutes after departure and no crew or passenger was injured.
The Boeing 777 received substantial damages with shattered windshields and several parts of the fuselage’s paint chipped off.
The 777 remains in ground in Milan awaiting maintenance repairs.