Pilots Answer 45 Questions All Airplane Passengers Have

Yes, lightning can damage an airplane in the same way it might any other object. Electrically charged power surges might damage the plane.

To avoid this, airliners are designed to withstand lightning and prevent damage that might result in the cancellation or diversion of a flight. The metals used to construct planes are resistant to lightning and power surge. This gives passengers on board as well as the crew assurance that they will have a safe journey.