Two-day ordeal of SriLankan Airlines flight from Melbourne to Colombo

Passengers on a SriLankan Airlines flight from Melbourne to Colombo had a two-day ordeal before they reached their destination earlier this week. This is how a passenger on the flight described the ordeal.

The flight was initially scheduled to leave Melbourne Airport at 4.10 p.m. on April 15 and after boarding the flight around 10.00 p.m., the flight was cancelled due to a technical problem.

Passengers were informed to collect their main luggage and were told accommodation would be provided. But after collecting the vouchers they realised it was only for a taxi.Only Business class passengers and those with medical issues were given hotel accommodation.

On the second day passengers were told to come around 3.00 p.m. for the 6.30 p.m. flight. Passengers were given boarding passes and were waiting in an area to board the flight.

Around 8.00 p.m., the departure time shown on the screens as 10.00 p.m. was deleted. This prompted people to go up to the Australian Aviation counter and inquire about the flight.

Australian Aviation staff and its Chief handled the situation thereafter and an announcement was made the flight would depart after 12 midnight. An aviation chief arranged a separate counter and brought in a SriLankan Airlines Manager to make alternate arrangements and talk to the passengers.

Australian Aviation staff came and spoke to all passengers personally. Food and drinks were provided without delay. The flight finally left only around 1.45 a.m. on April 17. Passengers felt that better communication could have been one of the better ways of resolving the issue, though a delay of flights is not unusual.