New Delhi: A pilot was suspended for locking his co-pilot out of the cockpit after she went to the bathroom.
The incident reportedly occurred on the Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Sydney to Colombo on Monday.
The captain allegedly locked the first officer out during the 10-hour trip after a verbal argument. The captain was reportedly enraged that the first officer had failed to get a replacement during the time she was absent in violation of standard operating procedures.
After returning from the bathroom, the co-pilot failed to enter the cockpit. The situation escalated when the pilot refused to open the door.
A senior member of the cabin crew intervened to end the dispute and negotiated with the captain over the plane’s intercom system, requesting that he let the co-pilot return to the cockpit. The flight with 297 passengers landed safely at its destination without further incident.
The pilot has since been grounded. Sri Lankan Airlines is investigating the matter with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAA). Sri Lankan Airlines also requires at least two people to be in the cabin at the same time.
Sri Lankan Airlines Emissions Statement
The airline issued a statement confirming that the captain had been restrained on the ground following the incident aboard flight UL607 from Sydney to Colombo on September 21.
“The airline is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and the captain has been grounded pending the outcome of the investigation,” the airline said in a statement.
“Safety and compliance with all regulatory requirements remain Sri Lankan Airlines’ top priorities.”
(Agency contributions)
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