A video circulating on social media shows a tense mid-air incident aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL266 from Riyadh to Colombo on October 26, where crew members are seen attempting to restrain a Saudi Arabian passenger who allegedly assaulted them.
According to preliminary investigations by the Katunayake Airport Police, the altercation occurred as the aircraft was preparing to land. At that time, passengers are required to remain seated with seat belts fastened, but the suspect had reportedly attempted to go to the lavatory, violating safety regulations.
When the cabin crew intervened, the passenger became aggressive, resulting in a confrontation captured by other passengers on their mobile phones.
Airport Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested upon the flight’s arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake and legal action was taken. (Newswire)
🚨 Mid-air chaos aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL266 from Riyadh to Colombo! Video shows crew members trying to restrain a passenger who allegedly assaulted them during the flight
Police say the altercation began when the passenger tried to go to the lavatory while the… pic.twitter.com/uY6u2u2MMy
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) October 28, 2025