COLOMBO, Nov 1: What began as a routine overnight flight from Riyadh to Colombo turned into a scene of mid-air chaos early Sunday morning when a 28-year-old Saudi national allegedly attacked two flight attendants aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL266.

The drama unfolded as the Airbus approached Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), descending through Sri Lankan airspace shortly before landing at 6:32 a.m. on October 26. According to preliminary police reports, the passenger — who was reportedly transiting through Colombo on his way to Malaysia — ignored the cabin crew’s instructions to remain seated and fasten his seatbelt as the aircraft prepared for landing.

Instead, he is said to have attempted to use the lavatory during the critical descent phase. When two flight attendants intervened and firmly requested him to return to his seat, the situation spiraled out of control. Witnesses claim the man grew visibly agitated, shouting at the crew before allegedly lashing out and physically touching an airhostess inappropriately, and assaulting male attendants.

The cabin erupted into panic as crew members and nearby passengers rushed to contain the outburst. A video that later surfaced on social media captures the tense moments inside the cabin — voices raised, arms flailing, and flight attendants struggling to restrain the passenger as others plead for calm.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, the captain immediately radioed ground control, alerting airport security to prepare for an emergency intervention. As soon as flight UL266 touched down at Colombo, airport police officers boarded the aircraft, swiftly detaining the suspect before he could disembark.

Authorities later confirmed that the Katunayake Airport Police and the Airport Tourist Police have jointly launched an investigation into the incident. Given that the altercation took place while the plane was within Sri Lankan airspace, the matter falls under local jurisdiction.

The suspect is expected to be produced before Colombo Magistrate’s Court No. 01 on Sunday, where he will face formal charges.

What should have been an uneventful flight for hundreds of passengers instead ended in shock, fear, and a stark reminder of how a moment of rage can turn the calm of cruising altitude into a scene of airborne turmoil.