A major security scare gripped Sri Lanka’s main international airport today as a SriLankan Airlines flight arriving from Chennai was subjected to an emergency search following a terror alert issued by Indian authorities.
Flight UL 122, which touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake at 11:59 a.m., was flagged over suspicions that suspects involved in the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir might be onboard.
According to the Sri Lanka Police Media Division, the warning came through Indian intelligence channels, prompting immediate action from Sri Lankan security forces. A full-scale inspection of the aircraft was launched upon arrival.
SriLankan Airlines confirmed in a statement that its operations team, in coordination with airport security personnel, facilitated the search with full cooperation to ensure passenger safety. The airline emphasized that “no suspect individuals or items were found,” and the aircraft was eventually cleared.
However, the ripple effects of the alert caused delays in other scheduled flights, including UL 308 bound for Singapore. SriLankan Airlines cited “heightened security procedures” as the reason for the disruption.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our utmost priority,” the airline reassured, highlighting its commitment to adhering to the highest international safety protocols.
The warning reportedly originated from the Chennai Area Control Center, which had reason to believe that one or more individuals linked to the Kashmir terror incident could be attempting to transit through Sri Lanka.
While no arrests have been made so far, security has been stepped up at the airport, and surveillance has intensified. Intelligence agencies are continuing their investigations in cooperation with Indian counterparts.
Today’s events have stirred renewed debate over regional security and the vulnerability of South Asian transit hubs to transnational threats.
Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines issued the following statement.
