National carrier SriLankan Airlines has clarified on the diversion of 03 flights to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport yesterday (04) and today (05).

In a statement, SriLankan Airlines says :SriLankan Airlines would like to inform that UL 605 from Melbourne to Colombo was diverted to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport yesterday (4 May 2023) due to inclement weather at Bandaranaike International Airport. The aircraft had to further remain on ground at Mattala as the operating crew of the flight had reached their flight duty time limitation according to civil aviation regulations.

There were 294 passengers, 3 infants and 15 crew members onboard UL 605. Passengers who were to disembark in Sri Lanka were provided with ground transport to Colombo and passengers travelling beyond Sri Lanka were given hotel accommodation in and around Mattala until the flight’s departure to Bandaranaike International Airport.

SriLankan Airlines regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of diverting the flight, which was a necessary measure to ensure a safe landing for the passengers and crew members onboard. The airline is currently making every effort to connect affected passengers to their final destination.