By T.K.G. Kapila
Colombo, Dec. 28 (Daily Mirror) – A Qatar Airways flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, from Doha this morning (28) was subjected to a comprehensive security search following an email warning claiming that bombs were on board.
However, airport authorities later confirmed that no explosives or suspicious items were found.
Qatar Airways flight QR-664, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed at Katunayake at 8.27 a.m. on December 28 with 245 passengers and 12 crew members on board.
According to airport officials, an email alert was received by the airport manager prior to the aircraft’s landing, alleging the presence of bombs on the flight. In response, heightened security measures were immediately put in place.
Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to an isolated parking bay in the Naikanda area under tight security. All passengers and crew were safely disembarked, after which the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection by the airport’s bomb disposal unit, supported by specially trained sniffer dogs.
Following the extensive search, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices or hazardous materials were detected. The aircraft was subsequently moved to the Katunayake Airport General Aviation Facility.
Although the flight was scheduled to depart Katunayake for Doha at 10.15 a.m., it was delayed due to the security operation and eventually departed at 1.07 p.m. on the same day.
Airport authorities emphasized that the measures were taken purely as a precaution to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and airport operations.
