A SriLankan Airlines flight bound for Sydney, Australia, was forced to return to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake early this morning (12) after the aircraft was reportedly struck by lightning shortly after take-off.
According to the airport’s Chief Duty Officer, the Airbus A330 aircraft operating as Flight UL-606 departed Katunayake at approximately 1.00 a.m. with 217 passengers and 16 crew members on board.
Reports indicate that the aircraft encountered a lightning strike amid adverse weather conditions and heightened lightning activity in the area.
Following the incident, the pilot decided to discontinue the flight and safely returned the aircraft to Bandaranaike International Airport at around 1.40 a.m.
No injuries to passengers or crew members were reported, and the aircraft landed safely without further incident.
SriLankan Airlines subsequently arranged an alternative Airbus A330 aircraft to continue the journey. The replacement flight departed Katunayake at approximately 6.06 a.m., transporting the affected passengers to Sydney.
Meanwhile, the aircraft involved in the incident has been moved to the SriLankan Airlines maintenance facility at the airport for detailed inspection and necessary repairs.
Airport and airline officials noted that such inspections are standard safety procedures following lightning-related incidents to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.
