The flight, TK 733, departed BIA at 5.41 p.m. after the aircraft was cleared for operations following technical rectification.
The aircraft had taken off from BIA at around 10.00 p.m. last night carrying 202 passengers and 10 crew members when a technical issue with the landing gear was detected shortly after departure from Katunayake. As a precautionary measure, the pilot decided to return to BIA.
Prior to landing, the crew carried out a precautionary fuel dump over the sea to reduce risk, while airport authorities prepared the runway for an emergency landing with fire engines, ambulances and emergency response teams placed on standby. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at BIA.
Airport authorities said several outbound flights were delayed due to the incident. All passengers were safely evacuated and accommodated at nearby hotels while arrangements were made to repair and reposition the aircraft.
