SriLankan Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Indonesia Due to Technical Glitch

On the evening of June 5, 2025, SriLankan Airlines flight UL306, operating from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to Singapore, was forced to make an emergency landing at Medan Kuala Namu International Airport in Indonesia due to a technical malfunction experienced mid-flight. The Airbus aircraft, carrying 93 passengers and eight crew members, was diverted as a precautionary measure to ensure safety.

Following the landing, an Indonesian technical team inspected the aircraft and determined that repairs would require additional time. Consequently, SriLankan Airlines arranged for passengers to be accommodated in nearby hotels. However, the process was complicated by stringent immigration formalities imposed by Indonesian authorities, who initially refused permission for the passengers to leave the airport.

This refusal created a tense and distressing situation, particularly for Indian nationals onboard, who reportedly faced difficulties in securing timely clearance and accommodation. The delay heightened anxiety among passengers, many of whom were stranded overnight without clear information. The situation was eventually resolved after intervention by the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia, allowing all passengers, including the Indian nationals, to be transferred to hotels and receive necessary care.

SriLankan Airlines promptly dispatched an engineering team from Colombo to Medan to conduct further inspections and expedite repairs. To minimize disruption, the airline also arranged a special relief flight, UL302, which departed Colombo on June 6 at 2:24 p.m. to transport the stranded passengers from Medan to their original destination in Singapore.

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen technical issue and emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority. SriLankan Airlines also acknowledged the assistance of the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Jakarta in securing the necessary regulatory clearances to resolve the situation.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by airlines and passengers alike when unexpected technical faults occur far from home, compounded by complex immigration procedures. The difficulties experienced by Indian nationals onboard highlight the need for swift diplomatic coordination in such emergencies to ensure passenger welfare.

SriLankan Airlines continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to restoring normal service as quickly as possible.

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