The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has urged the public to refrain from flying kites near airports and runways, warning that such activities pose a serious threat to aviation safety.
The SLAF said an increase in kite-flying activities around operational airfields during the current season has created a significant risk to flight operations. Areas identified as high-risk zones include Katunayake, Ratmalana, Hingurakgoda, China Bay, Anuradhapura, Palaly, Katukurunda, Koggala, Vavuniya, Wirawila, and Mattala.
The warning follows an incident on July 15, 2026, when a Y-12 aircraft that departed from Ratmalana Airport for a training mission encountered a safety hazard caused by kite strings and was required to make an emergency return landing.
A technical inspection carried out after the incident found kite strings entangled in the aircraft’s left wheel, left engine area, and other critical components.
The SLAF warned that kite strings or other airborne debris can cause severe damage if they come into contact with aircraft engines or flight control systems, potentially endangering passengers, crew members, and aircraft operations.
The Air Force has requested the public, particularly those living near airports and flight paths, to avoid flying kites in restricted areas and to support efforts to ensure safe aviation operations.
