SriLankan Airlines addresses diversion of UL 503

SriLankan Airlines has issued a clarification regarding the diversion of Flight UL 503 bound for London, which necessitated an unscheduled stop at Vienna International Airport in Austria due to a medical emergency.

Confirming the incident that occurred on May 1, 2024, the airline disclosed that Flight UL 503, carrying 272 passengers, was rerouted to Vienna following a passenger's urgent medical requirement. However, complications arose when a technical issue arose, preventing the aircraft from reaching its intended destination, Heathrow Airport, before its scheduled closure at 22:00hrs London time.

In response to the situation, SriLankan Airlines made arrangements to reschedule the flight for departure on the subsequent day. Passengers possessing valid European visas were accommodated in Vienna during the interim period.

Ultimately, Flight UL 503 resumed its journey on May 2, 2024, eventually touching down in London at 21:30hrs, local time. Nevertheless, due to the delays incurred, SriLankan Airlines regretfully had to cancel Flight UL 504 from London to Colombo on May 1, 2024. Affected passengers were promptly informed, with those already checked in provided hotel accommodations.