SriLankan Airlines Ensures Passenger Safety

29-Oct-2026

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SriLankan Airlines has stated that all passengers and crew aboard flight UL503, which was preparing to depart Colombo for London Heathrow, were safely disembarked after the pilots suspended the departure procedure over a suspected bird strike involving one of the aircraft's engines.

The airline disclosed these details in a special statement issued on 28 October 2026.

According to the statement, flight UL503 was scheduled to depart Colombo for London Heathrow at 12.55 p.m. When the aircraft was preparing for departure, a suspected bird strike involving one of its engines was reported.

Taking the aircraft's safety into consideration, the pilots suspended the departure procedure. The aircraft was subsequently returned to its parking stand, and all passengers and flight crew were safely disembarked.

Following the incident, SriLankan Airlines made arrangements for a replacement aircraft and a new crew to continue the journey to London Heathrow. Accordingly, the replacement aircraft departed Colombo for London Heathrow at 4.30 p.m. on 28 October, the airline said.

SriLankan Airlines reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remained its foremost priority and that it was committed to ensuring that all necessary safety procedures were completed.