Angry Captain Locks Female Co-Pilot Out of Cockpit During 10-Hour Flight

New Delhi: A male pilot has been suspended for locking his female co-pilot out of the cockpit after she left to use the restroom.

The incident reportedly occurred on the Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Sydney to Colombo on Monday.

The captain allegedly locked out the First Officer during the 10-hour trip following a verbal argument. As per reports, the captain was enraged because the First Officer had failed to arrange for a replacement for the duration, she was away violating the standard operating procedures.

After returning from the toilet, the co-pilot failed to enter the cockpit. The situation intensified as the pilot refused to open the door.

A senior cabin crew intervened to end the feud and negotiated with the captain over the plane's interphone system, requesting him to let the co-pilot back into the cockpit. The flight carrying 297 passengers landed safely at its destination without any further incidents.

The pilot has since been grounded Sri Lankan Airlines is investigating the matter with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Sri Lankan Airlines also requires at least two people to be in the cockpit at any one time.

Sri Lankan Airlines Issues Statement

The airline released a statement confirming that the captain had been grounded after the incident aboard flight UL607 from Sydney to Colombo, on September 21.

“The airline is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities, and the captain has been grounded pending the outcome of the investigation,” the airline said in a statement.

"Safety and compliance with all regulatory requirements remain Sri Lankan Airlines' top priorities."

(Inputs from agencies)