According to airport officials, Flight UL-606 departed Katunayake for Sydney at approximately 1:00 a.m. carrying 217 passengers and 16 crew members onboard. The aircraft involved was a Airbus A330.
Reports indicate that the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions, including lightning activity, soon after departure. As a precautionary measure following the reported lightning strike, the flight crew decided to discontinue the journey and return to Bandaranaike International Airport.
The aircraft landed safely at the airport at around 1:40 a.m. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Airport authorities said the decision to return was taken in accordance with standard aviation safety procedures, allowing the aircraft to undergo the necessary inspections before any further operations.
