A Sri Lanka Airlines captain has been grounded by the carrier for allegedly locking up a pilot out of the cockpit during a Sydney to Colombo flight on Monday. The incident happened after the co-pilot took a mid-air break without arranging a substitute, which reportedly angered the captain.
As per reports, the co-pilot did not arrange for her substitute to be in the cockpit following the standard operating procedure. It led to a standoff between the female co-pilot and the captain mid-flight.
The decision to ground the captain came as he was the only one in the cockpit, which violated the safety protocol of the airlines, as at least two pilots are supposed to be in the cockpit at all times during the flight.
Reports said that the situation escalated so much that a cabin crew member had to intervene to put it off. While the two pilots were engaged in the standoff, the senior cabin crew member called the captain and persuaded the captain to let the co-pilot in.
An investigation was launched into the incident by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Sri Lankan Airlines said that they are fully cooperating with the investigation. The decision to ground the captain was also communicated by the airline in the statement. The decision to reinstate him would depend on what the probe reveals, the airlines added.
“Sri Lankan Airlines confirms that an investigation is currently underway in accordance with civil aviation regulations regarding the incident on flight UL 607 from Sydney to Colombo on 21st September 2024," the statement said.
“The airline is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities, and the captain has been grounded pending the outcome of the investigation. Safety and compliance with all regulatory requirements remain Sri Lankan Airlines’ top priorities.”