A Sri Lankan Airlines pilot has been temporarily relieved of his duties after he locked his female co-pilot out of the cockpit during a 10-hour flight from Sydney, Australia to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The incident occurred when the first officer left the cockpit to use the restroom, leaving the captain alone at the controls.
Upon her return, the first officer found herself unable to reenter the cockpit. The captain had locked the door, reportedly upset that she had not arranged for a replacement during her absence, a breach of standard operating procedures.
Sri Lankan Airlines has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation into the incident. The airline has grounded the captain until the investigation concludes. The airline emphasized that safety and adherence to all regulatory requirements are its top priorities.
The incident escalated into a tense standoff, eventually resolved when senior crew members convinced the captain over the intercom to allow the first officer back into the cockpit. Despite the unusual circumstances, the flight, carrying 297 passengers, landed safely at its destination without further incident.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Sri Lankan Airlines has also issued a statement addressing the captain’s unusual decision to lock the cockpit.
International aviation protocols require that two pilots be present on the flight deck at all times. If a pilot needs to leave the cockpit mid-flight, such as to use the restroom, and there is no third relief pilot, a flight attendant must stand in the control room until the first officer returns. This is particularly important during long-haul flights, which typically have three to four pilots to ensure continuous control of the aircraft while others rest or use the restroom.