File pic of a lightning

THE HAGUE, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A Boeing 737-800 of Corendon Dutch Airlines was struck by lightning on Wednesday and returned to Schiphol airport shortly after taking off, Dutch local media NH Nieuws reported.

The plane -- flight number CND397 left -- was on its way to the Greek island of Corfu. Fifteen minutes after takeoff, it safely landed at the Polder runway of the airport. Minor damage was detected but the plane will still fly to Corfu on Wednesday, an airplane spokesperson said.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute issued a code yellow warning for the country on Wednesday as heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail, strong winds and a large amount of rain was expected.