Two SriLankan Airlines flights operating to Kuwait City and Dammam were safely managed following temporary airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East triggered by escalating regional tensions, SriLankan Airlines said.
According to Manager of Corporate Communications Deepal Perera, flight UL229 departed Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for Kuwait International Airport at 5.10 PM., while flight UL253 left for King Fahd International Airport in Dammam at 6.36 PM yesterday (14). Both services were operated using Airbus A321 neo aircraft.
As the aircraft neared the Middle East, heightened regional tensions resulted in the temporary closure of airspace in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The two flights remained in designated holding areas for approximately one hour and ten minutes until the restrictions were lifted. Once clearance was granted, both aircraft continued their journeys and landed safely at their respective destinations.
Several other international flights were also affected by the temporary airspace closures and experienced similar delays, according to reports.
The aircraft subsequently returned safely to Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (15), airline officials confirmed.
