Footage has emerged of a plane attempting to land at Sydney Airport during an intense lightning storm.

The footage, captured by a plane-spotter, shows the Qantas jet attempting a descent onto the runway while bolts of lightning can be seen in the distance.

According to the filmer, due to the adverse conditions and poor visibility the plane had to abort the landing and go around again.

An afternoon storm hits Sydney Airport and makes things interesting for aircraft on approach. Qantas 438 from Melbourne (Boeing B737-800 VH-VXF) is on final approach to Runway 34R, when several bolts of lightening strike in the surrounding areas. On short final they declare "Going Around Can't See The PAPI" and make a right turn onto heading 090. The PAPI is the Precision Approach Path Indicator lighting that tells the pilot if they are above or below the glideslope to the Runway. The last bolt of lightening as they go around is a beauty.