'Unavailability of crew member' delays Sri Lankan Airlines flight

A Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Frankfurt to Colombo was unable to leave Frankfurt on Friday due to the "unavailability of a flight crew member," the Airlines said in a statement on Saturday.

"One of the crew members was suddenly unwell which is why the flight could not leave as scheduled," an Airline official said.

In the statement, Sri Lankan Airlines said that the airline expects flight UL554 to depart on Saturday once Frankfurt airport reopens after the scheduled night time closure.

All passengers affected by the delay have been provided with meals and accommodation and they will also be compensated as per EU regulations, Sri Lankan Airlines said.

The national carrier, which is currently facing a staggering loss, is expected to suspend its operations to Paris and Frankfurt from winter 2016.

Accordingly, the last flights between Frankfurt and Colombo will be operated on Oct. 30, while operations between Paris and Colombo will conclude on Nov. 6.

Source : XINHUA