A Spirit Airlines flight heading to Cancun turned back and made an precautionary landing  shortly following takeoff Friday morning after the crew reported "multiple lightning strikes

The aeroplane then turned around and made an emergency landing. The Airbus A321 carrying Spirit turned back to Philadelphia International Airport on its way to Cancun " out of an abundance of caution after the crew reported a suspected lightning strike," Spirit said.

"The aircraft landed safely, and we are currently working to re-accommodate our guests," Spirit said in a statement to CNN. The airline did not say how many passengers were on board.

The incident is the latest mishap as thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled due to severe weather this week.

More than 4,100 US flights were cancelled amid a raging winter storm. Planes are designed with conducting paths to keep the lightning strike on the aircraft’s exterior.

Planes are designed with conducting paths to keep the lightning strike on the exterior of the aircraft. In fact, planes typically initiate the lightning strike as they fly through "ambient electric fields" during thunderstorms.

If a plane is hit by lightning, passengers will often hear a loud noise and see a flash. Airlines have issued travel waivers for many parts of the US, allowing passengers to rebook without penalty for a short window

The Federal Aviation Administration says the incident happened at 11 a.m. local time Friday and that the agency will investigate.