SriLankan Airlines Flight Searched Over Pahalgam Terror Alert
A SriLankan Airlines flight from Chennai was subjected to an intensive security search upon landing in Colombo on May 3, 2025, following intelligence input linking a potential suspect of the Pahalgam terror attack to the aircraft. The flight, identified as UL122, landed at Bandaranaike International Airport and was immediately placed under scrutiny by Sri Lankan authorities in coordination with Indian agencies.
The alert was triggered by information shared by Indian officials, suggesting that an individual suspected of involvement in the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir may have boarded the flight. The Pahalgam incident resulted in the death of 26 people, most of them tourists, and has significantly worsened India-Pakistan diplomatic ties.
Airport security teams thoroughly inspected the aircraft and conducted background checks on all passengers. Despite the high-level alert and the gravity of the tip-off, no suspect was found on board and no arrests were made. Authorities have since cleared the aircraft for further travel and operations.
The incident has further highlighted regional coordination on counter-terrorism efforts, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies across South Asia are on heightened alert, monitoring cross-border movements and possible escape routes of those involved.
India has taken a series of diplomatic and strategic measures in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, revocation of visa access, freezing bilateral trade with Pakistan, and imposing airspace restrictions. Pakistan, meanwhile, has responded with its own set of retaliatory actions, intensifying the already fragile relationship.
While no arrests have been made from this flight, the search operation in Colombo reflects the seriousness with which regional authorities are treating any intelligence related to the attack. Investigations remain ongoing, and further security coordination between India and its neighbors is expected in the coming days.
