Speaking after a special meeting at the Civil Aviation Ministry, Karunathilake said the alternative flight paths require higher fuel consumption, resulting in temporary cargo restrictions until normal conditions are restored. “The safety of passengers remains our priority. We are closely monitoring developments and adjusting operations accordingly,” he said.
The disruption peaked when 57 flights between Bandaranaike International Airport and Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled in a single day, with 28 departures and 29 arrivals affected. Authorities confirmed that four additional flights scheduled for today have also been cancelled as a precaution.
In total, 107 arrivals and 98 departures have been grounded since hostilities escalated in the Middle East.
Civil Aviation Authority Director General Daminda Rambukwella said flights operating to and from the Middle East, including those transiting through the region to other international destinations, have been temporarily suspended in the interest of passenger safety. Only a limited number of aircraft were able to pass through the affected airspace earlier yesterday, he added
