BIA strike ends but delays four flights

A sudden strike conducted by customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) ended yesterday with a delay of four outbound flights of SriLankan Airlines.

The four SriLankan flights to London, Beijing, Singapore and Lahore were delayed due to the strike. However usual operations were resumed soon after the strike ended, officials said.  

The strike which was held to protest strict screening of customs officers by BIA security officials, commenced at12.00 noon and ended after two and half hours..  

The BIA security procedures were set to screen all luggage of custom officers along with their food and beverages. The protesters claimed the screening of food and beverages via an x-ray machine was a health hazard. (CG)