SriLankan Airlines faced a tumultuous three days as a stowaway rat triggered chaos, delaying flights and raising concerns about investor confidence in the struggling carrier. The rodent was discovered aboard an Airbus A330 flight from Lahore, prompting a thorough inspection to ensure it hadn’t damaged crucial components.
An airline official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the rat was found deceased, allowing flights to resume. However, the incident had a ripple effect on schedules, exacerbating the challenges for the already cash-strapped airline. With losses exceeding $1.8 billion and three other aircraft grounded for over a year, SriLankan Airlines struggles to maintain operations, lacking foreign exchange for mandatory engine overhauls.
Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva expressed fears that such incidents could deter potential investors, further complicating efforts to alleviate the carrier’s financial burdens. Despite past attempts to privatize the airline, including offering it for a symbolic dollar, no viable solutions have emerged.
The International Monetary Fund has underscored the need to address the strain state-owned enterprises like SriLankan Airlines impose on the national budget. Ironically, the airline’s most profitable year coincided with adversity in 2001 when an attack by the Tamil Tigers led to insurance payouts and streamlined operations, highlighting the complex history of the troubled carrier.