SriLankan Airlines flight to London aborts takeoff at Colombo

Dhaka: SriLankan Airlines Flight UL503 aborted its takeoff at Bandaranaike International Airport on October 28 after a suspected bird strike hit one of its engines, the airline said in a statement.

The flight, operating with an Airbus A330-343, registered 4R-ALR, was scheduled to leave Colombo for London Heathrow at 12:55 pm.

The aircraft taxied back to the parking stand following the rejected takeoff. All passengers and crew disembarked safely.

SriLankan Airlines later arranged a replacement aircraft and crew to operate the flight. The substitute jet departed for London at 4:30 pm, about three and a half hours behind the original schedule.

The airline said the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority and that all necessary safety requirements are being met.

It also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and thanked them for their patience while arrangements were being made.

UL503 is a scheduled daily service from Colombo to London. The national carrier usually deploys the A330-343 on the route.