BIA takes off after lightning strike

Thursday, 6 November 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) suffered a temporary setback due to a trade union action but operations resumed shortly following assurances.

The trade union action was by the Government-backed Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya employees. They struck work demanding a pay hike of Rs. 10,000. There were also reports of power switched off during the protest. Hundreds of departing and arriving passengers were inconvenienced due to the strike whilst several flights were delayed. However, following discussions between trade union representatives and airport authorities, workers returned to work, enabling the resumption of services at the BIA. SriLankan Airlines said two of its out-bound flights to London and to Shanghai were delayed due to the strike but took off later.

Pic by our Airport Correspondent Kumarasiri Prasad