A lightning protection system, method and aircraft are provided for reducing the flammability of jet fuel spilled during an in-flight refueling operation between a supplying aircraft and a receiving aircraft. An inert gas is injected adjacent to a refueling interface in order to displace oxygen in the fuel-air mixture and thereby reduce the ability of the fuel vapor to ignite upon occurrence of an ignition source such as lightning. The refueling system may comprise a boom or a hose and drogue type device.