Saudi passenger arrested for assaulting two SriLankan flight attendants

• Flight attendants immediately informed the pilot, and airport police were alerted

By T. K. G. Kapila

A 28-year-old Saudi national was arrested after assaulting two flight attendants and violating in-flight safety rules on a SriLankan Airlines flight from Riyadh to Malaysia.  
The incident occurred on flight UL-266, which landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 6:32 a.m. yesterday (26). Authorities reported that the passenger attempted to use the restroom while the plane was preparing to land—a period when passengers are required to remain seated with seat belts fastened.  
Flight attendants immediately informed the pilot, and airport police were alerted. The suspect was arrested after the aircraft touched down.  
The Katunayake Airport Police and the Katunayake Airport Tourist Police are conducting a joint investigation. As the incident took place in Sri Lankan airspace, the Saudi national is scheduled to appear before Colombo Magistrate’s Court No. 01, today (27).  
Authorities have said that this case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to in-flight safety regulations to protect crew and passengers.