Vigilant Crew Prevents Potential Disaster During Flight from London to Colombo
On June 13, pilots of SriLankan Airlines flight UL504, travelling from London to Colombo, are being hailed for their quick thinking and exceptional vigilance in averting a potential mid-air collision with a Singapore-bound British Airways flight over Turkey. The close call occurred as both planes were flying through Turkish airspace.
According to reports from Sri Lanka, including Colombo Page, and Singapore’s 8 World, the incident unfolded when SriLankan Airlines flight UL504, an Airbus A330 carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members, was instructed by Ankara air traffic control to climb to an altitude of 35,000 feet from 33,000 feet. However, this manoeuvre would have placed the SriLankan Airlines plane directly in the flight path of the British Airways flight, which had just taken off from Heathrow and was bound for Singapore via Dubai.
The British Airways flight, carrying over 250 passengers, was reportedly travelling at a faster speed and had already reached the same altitude. Upon observing their aircraft’s system, the SriLankan Airlines pilots noticed that the British Airways plane was only 24km (15 miles) away at 35,000 feet. Although air traffic control initially assured the pilots that there were no other planes at the higher altitude, they later realised the proximity of the British Airways flight.
The SriLankan Airlines pilots, in response, questioned the air traffic control instructions, and after further communication, were instructed to remain at 33,000 feet. The potential for a collision was narrowly avoided due to the pilots’ timely actions.
SriLankan Airlines released a statement commending the crew for their vigilance and for ensuring the safe passage of flight UL504, which eventually landed at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo later that evening. The airline downplayed initial reports of a crash risk, emphasising the effectiveness of their onboard communication and surveillance systems in preventing the disaster. A report was filed following the incident.
