Delays after Jetstar plane struck by lightning

Jetstar has cancelled Sydney to Queenstown and Queenstown to Auckland flights today. Photo / Getty Images

A Jetstar plane flying from Auckland en route to Sydney was struck by lightning today causing delays for passengers.

A Jetstar spokesperson said the flight landed as normal and there were no reports of injuries among passengers and crew.

The aircraft is out of service until full safety inspections have been completed, the spokesperson said.

The airline company has cancelled Sydney to Queenstown and Queenstown to Auckland flights today.

They will be placing passengers on services tomorrow.

The Jetstar spokesman said it wasn't uncommon for planes to be struck by lightning when flying through bad weather.

He said aircraft were designed to safely withstand lightning strikes.

It was earlier reported Sydney's desalination plant was damaged and three people were injured after a tornado tore through the city's south with winds of more than 200km/h.

Sydney Airport was closely monitoring the storm activity with passengers being advised to check flight details with their airlines, an airport spokeswoman said.

There would be some delays and diversions, Sydney Airport tweeted.