Investigation Launched After SriLankan Airlines Cockpit Incident

An investigation is currently underway following a serious incident involving a SriLankan Airlines pilot who locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit during a flight. This event occurred on September 21, 2024, aboard flight UL 607, which was traveling from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo.

Reports indicate that the female co-pilot left the cockpit to use the restroom towards the end of the 11-hour flight. According to a Gulf News report, the captain was dissatisfied that she had exited the cockpit without arranging for another crew member to accompany him, a requirement under standard operating procedures.

Upon returning, the co-pilot found the cockpit door locked and knocked repeatedly for re-entry. However, the captain refused to allow her back in. It was only after cabin crew members intervened, using the Airbus A330’s internal communication system, that the captain was persuaded to unlock the door and allow the co-pilot back into the cockpit.

Despite the concerning situation, the flight continued without incident and landed safely at its destination. In response to this occurrence, Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched an investigation into the matter. The airline has stated that it is fully cooperating with the regulatory body and has grounded the captain pending the investigation’s outcome.

This incident raises significant questions about cockpit protocols and crew communication, highlighting the importance of adherence to safety procedures in aviation. The aviation community and regulatory authorities will be closely monitoring the investigation’s findings to ensure that such an event does not happen again in the future.

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