In a swift move, Airlineratings.com last week downgraded SriLankan Airlines' safety rating from 7 to 6 stars following a disturbing incident aboard flight UL 607. On September 21, 2024, the captain of the flight locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit. The incident was deemed serious enough to warrant an immediate reassessment of the airline's safety credentials.

However, after a thorough review and prompt response from the airline, the rating has been restored to 7 out of 7 stars, acknowledging SriLankan Airlines’ commitment to addressing the incident with transparency and urgency.

We explain how the airline handled this alarming situation here.

The Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath

On September 21, a flight from Colombo to Melbourne took an alarming turn when the captain of flight UL 607 locked the co-pilot out of the cockpit. This violation of standard operating procedures raised immediate safety concerns for the airline and SriLankan Airlines wasted no time in taking corrective action and has shared this exclusively with AIrlineRatings.com

The airline promptly grounded the captain involved, pending the outcome of a full investigation. Shortly after, the captain voluntarily resigned, removing himself from future operations. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) launched an independent investigation, suspending the captain’s license while the inquiry continued. Although this move wasn’t publicly announced (until now), it demonstrates the seriousness with which both the airline and regulatory body are treating the matter.

SriLankan Airlines’ Swift Response

SriLankan Airlines’ proactive stance in handling the situation played a crucial role in restoring their safety rating. In a statement, the airline emphasized that this was an isolated incident in its 45-year history, pointing to its long-standing track record of safety and reliability. The airline’s leadership reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority, ensuring that any deviations from its established standards are handled with stringent consequences.

The airline also stressed full cooperation with the CAASL investigation, indicating that appropriate penalties would be imposed on the individual responsible for this serious breach. The transparent communication and swift corrective measures taken by SriLankan Airlines underscored its commitment to maintaining a safe operating environment.

Restoring the Safety Rating: A Vote of Confidence

Acknowledging the airline's efforts and rapid response, Airlineratings reviewed its initial decision to lower the safety score. After evaluating the steps taken by SriLankan Airlines to mitigate the situation, the rating was restored to the maximum 7 stars. This change reflects both Airlineratings' confidence in the airline’s ongoing commitment to safety and the effectiveness of the measures put in place after the incident.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The brief fluctuation in SriLankan Airlines' safety rating illustrates how seriously the aviation industry takes breaches of protocol, even when they are isolated incidents. It also highlights the impact of quick, transparent, and decisive action in restoring confidence. By acting swiftly to address the situation and cooperate with authorities, SriLankan Airlines demonstrated a commitment to continuous safety improvement.

While the independent investigation by the CAASL is ongoing, SriLankan Airlines’ actions have reassured the public and the aviation community of its dedication to the highest safety standards. As aviation safety remains a priority for passengers worldwide, airlines must be prepared to face scrutiny and address any concerns with prompt, transparent, and effective responses—just as SriLankan Airlines did in this case.

In a competitive industry where safety can be the deciding factor for travelers, maintaining an unblemished safety record is crucial. For now, SriLankan Airlines' rapid and transparent response has helped regain its reputation, solidifying the airline's standing in the eyes of both the public and regulators. The incident may have been a setback, but it is one the airline appears determined to learn from, reinforcing its long-term commitment to safety and excellence.