A SriLankan Airlines flight from Chennai to Colombo underwent a thorough security check upon arrival, following an alert from Indian authorities regarding a wanted suspect possibly on board. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, officials conducted a comprehensive search to ensure safety and compliance. The airline confirmed the incident in an official statement released on Saturday.
In a statement, the airline said that Flight UL 122, operated by aircraft registered 4R-ALS, which arrived in Colombo from Chennai at 11:59 hrs on 3 May, was subjected to a comprehensive security search upon arrival.
“SriLankan Airlines wishes to inform the public that Flight UL 122, operated by aircraft 4R-ALS, which arrived in Colombo from Chennai at 11:59 hrs today (3 May), was subjected to a comprehensive security search upon arrival. This was carried out in coordination with local authorities following an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre regarding a suspect wanted in India who was believed to be on board,” the airliner said.
The search was conducted in coordination with local authorities following an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre regarding a suspect wanted in India who was believed to be on board, the statement added. While no threat was found during the search, the mandatory security measures led to a delay in the airline’s next scheduled service, Flight UL 308 bound for Singapore.
SriLankan Airlines assured passengers that their safety and security remain the airline’s highest priority. “we strive to ensure that the highest standards of safety are consistently maintained,” they said.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, tragedy struck the serene Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam town when gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting people, killing 26 individuals, most of them tourists who had come to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Kashmir.
In the days that followed, authorities released sketches of the suspected attackers, who are believed to have ties to Pakistan. The horrific incident cast a long shadow across the region and prompted a strong response from India. On April 23, India took a firm diplomatic stand, downgrading ties with Pakistan and announcing five key measures — including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the expulsion of Pakistani military attachés — in a clear message about the seriousness of the attack’s cross-border connections.
In the latest escalation of tensions, India has now enforced a complete ban on the import of all goods from Pakistan. The decision, announced via a government order on Sunday, was made on the grounds of national security and public interest in light of the devastating Pahalgam attack.
