SriLankan Airlines flight UL 503 bound for London was forced to abort takeoff at the last moment after a sea eagle struck one of the aircraft's engines, aviation sources said.

The bird strike damaged several blades in the engine. It is expected that an insurance claim will be filed to cover the necessary repairs.

Key Points
  • Flight UL 503 aborted takeoff moments before departure after colliding with a sea eagle.
  • Several engine blades sustained damage, and an insurance claim is expected to be made.
  • Attention has once again turned to the committee appointed to manage wildlife hazards at airports.

Culling animals is impractical

Aviation sources noted that taking measures such as shooting birds or stray dogs entering runways is not practical in Sri Lanka. Strong resistance from animal rights activists and local cultural sensitivities are the main factors preventing such actions.

Following this incident, attention has refocused on the Wildlife Hazard Management Committee previously appointed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The committee comprises representatives from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport and Aviation Services, and the relevant ministry.

“Our objective is to prevent hazards caused by birds or any other animals and ensure safety,” Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake said.

Focus on other airports as well

Managing risks posed by wildlife has become critical, particularly as Mattala, Batticaloa, and Ratmalana have also been gazetted as international airports alongside Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilake stated that the committee is working with all stakeholders to mitigate threats posed by all types of wild animals. He noted that attention has been paid to potential risks from wild elephants at Mattala, adding that disruptions caused by peacocks there have now been brought under control.

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