SriLankan Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Lightning Strike

A SriLankan Airlines flight bound for Sydney, Australia, was forced to make an emergency landing at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake after being struck by lightning shortly after takeoff.

According to airport officials, Flight UL-606, operated by SriLankan Airlines, departed Katunayake at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Friday (June 12) en route to Sydney.

Aircraft Carrying 217 Passengers

The aircraft, an Airbus A330, was carrying 217 passengers and 16 crew members at the time of the incident.

Adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning, were reported in the area when the flight departed.

Emergency Return to Katunayake

Approximately 40 minutes into the journey, the aircraft was reportedly struck by lightning.

As a precautionary safety measure, the pilot decided to discontinue the flight and return to Katunayake rather than continue the journey to Sydney.

The aircraft landed safely at Bandaranaike International Airport at around 1:40 a.m., with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.

Passengers Transferred to Replacement Aircraft

Following the incident, SriLankan Airlines arranged another Airbus A330 aircraft to transport the affected passengers.

The replacement flight departed Katunayake for Sydney at approximately 6:06 a.m. on the same day.

Aircraft Sent for Inspection

The aircraft involved in the incident has been transferred to the SriLankan Airlines Engineering Division at Katunayake Airport for technical inspections and necessary maintenance work.

Airport authorities confirmed that the emergency landing was carried out safely and that all passengers continued their journey without further complications.