International media reports indicate that a Sri Lankan Airlines flight, UL605, en route from Melbourne, Australia to Colombo, had to return to Melbourne shortly after takeoff today (12) due to an emergency situation in the air.
The Airbus A330 aircraft took off from Melbourne Airport at 6:30 pm EST but declared an emergency shortly thereafter, seeking permission to return to Victoria. The flight safely landed back in Melbourne at 7:24 pm.
According to reports from Travel Talk, the emergency landing was prompted by the detection of smoke in the cockpit. While Sri Lankan Airlines has acknowledged the incident, labeling it as a technical problem, they have assured the safety of all passengers on board.
“A team of technicians is currently assessing the aircraft and providing technical support,” SriLankan Airlines stated.
Australia’s 7 NEWS website corroborated the incident, noting that Melbourne Airport activated its emergency procedures as a precautionary measure. Affected passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation, and flight schedules are being adjusted accordingly.
