Shocking Incident: Co-Pilot Leaves Cockpit, Main Pilot’s Unbelievable Act Stuns Passengers Mid-Flight!

A shocking incident occurred on a SriLankan Airlines flight from Australia to Colombo when the female co-pilot went to the restroom, and the main pilot's actions stunned crew members and passengers. The pilot has since been suspended.

By Palak Pathak Updated: Oct 16, 2024, 14:42 IST

SriLankan Airlines Pilot Suspended After Cockpit Incident with Co-Pilot During Flight

In a shocking mid-flight incident, a SriLankan Airlines pilot was suspended after an argument with his female co-pilot escalated to the point where he locked her out of the cockpit. The bizarre event took place on September 21 during a flight from Sydney, Australia, to Colombo, Sri Lanka, aboard an Airbus A330, leaving both the crew and passengers stunned.

The Mid-Flight Dispute

According to reports, the argument began when the female co-pilot left the cockpit to take a restroom break without following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The SOP requires another crew member to be present in the cockpit when one of the pilots steps out. This breach of protocol triggered a heated argument between the captain and the co-pilot.

After leaving the cockpit, the female co-pilot returned only to find the door locked. Despite repeatedly pleading with the captain to open the door, he refused, leading to further tension. The situation escalated, and the argument became so loud that other crew members and even passengers became aware of the dispute.

Immediate Actions and Investigation

The incident caused a stir on the flight, which had 297 passengers onboard. Eventually, the crew managed to convince the captain to unlock the cockpit door, allowing the co-pilot to return. Fortunately, the plane landed safely in Colombo. However, the captain’s actions did not go unnoticed, and the airline promptly suspended him.

Sri Lanka's Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the incident, grounding the captain until further notice. This alarming event has raised serious concerns about passenger safety and the professional conduct of pilots, highlighting the importance of adhering to aviation protocols for the safety of all onboard.

As the investigation continues, the incident has drawn widespread attention, with many questioning the professionalism and responsibility of the suspended captain.