- Note that the above image is AI generated
A routine journey to Kuwait turned tense as a SriLankan Airlines aircraft was forced to return mid-air following a technical malfunction, raising fresh concerns over in-flight safety and emergency preparedness.
A SriLankan Airlines aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Colombo to Kuwait was compelled to return to Sri Lanka shortly after takeoff due to a technical fault detected during the flight.
The aircraft safely landed back at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake after remaining airborne for approximately two hours and twenty-one minutes. The decision to turn back was taken purely as a precautionary safety measure after the crew identified an operational issue.
Explaining the situation, Sri Lankan Airlines Head of Corporate Communications Deepal Perera stated that the emergency landing was prompted by a malfunction affecting the aircraft’s operational systems. He emphasized that safety protocols were followed strictly and that the crew acted in accordance with standard aviation procedures.
Airport authorities confirmed that there were 187 individuals on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. This included 179 passengers and eight crew members. All passengers and crew disembarked safely after landing, with no injuries reported.
Further assessments revealed that the issue was linked to a fault in the aircraft’s hydraulic system, which is critical for flight control operations. Once the problem was detected, the pilot immediately informed air traffic control at Katunayake and opted to return to Colombo to ensure passenger safety.
SriLankan Airlines has assured that a full technical inspection will be conducted before the aircraft is cleared for future operations.
