Rats on plane: Sri Lanka’s Airline Struggles in Investor Drive

Sri Lanka’s national carrier faced an unexpected setback on Tuesday as it grappled with the aftermath of a stowaway rodent that grounded one of its planes for three days.

SriLankan Airlines attributed the chaotic delays and ensuing fears of investor retreat to the unwelcome presence of a rat aboard one of its Airbus A330 flights from Lahore, Pakistan. The unsettling discovery prompted an extensive search of the aircraft to ensure the rodent hadn’t compromised vital components.

An airline official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the aircraft was immobilized in Colombo until the rat was located, eventually found lifeless. However, the incident’s ripple effects disrupted the entire flight schedule, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers and logistical challenges for the carrier.

Reports says further rat-related complications, indicating that two other aircraft had to be grounded after similar discoveries. Following protocol, the airline conducted thorough inspections and implemented necessary measures, including chemical treatments to mitigate risks posed by the rodents.

Adding to the airline’s woes, it faces financial constraints that hamper essential maintenance tasks like overhauling engines, raising concerns about its operational integrity and safety standards. Sri Lanka’s Aviation Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, underscored the potential deterrent effect of such incidents on prospective investors, exacerbating the predicament of the debt-ridden airline.