Operations at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) were temporarily disrupted last night after emergency protocols were activated for a Turkish Airlines passenger flight that returned to Katunayake due to a technical issue, airport officials said.
The flight was landed at the Katunayaka airport at 00.28 a.m.
The Airbus A330, operating flight TK-733 to Istanbul with 202 passengers and 10 crew members, reported a landing gear problem shortly after departure, prompting authorities to prepare the runway for a possible emergency landing. Fire engines, ambulances and airport emergency teams were deployed as a precaution.
As part of standard safety procedures, the aircraft released excess fuel over the sea before making its return.
The flight later landed safely at BIA without incident. Airport officials said several outbound flights were delayed while emergency measures were in place, with normal operations resuming soon after.
