Colombo, May 9 — A SriLankan Airlines flight arriving in Colombo from Chennai was subjected to an intensive security search on Saturday after Indian authorities raised an alert about a possible suspect linked to the Pahalgam terror attack being among the passengers, Sri Lanka Police confirmed.

According to a senior Sri Lankan official, all passengers, including those in transit, were thoroughly screened. However, no individual matching the description provided by Indian intelligence agencies was found.

In a statement issued later in the day, SriLankan Airlines confirmed that flight UL-122, which landed in Colombo at 11:59 a.m., underwent a “comprehensive security search” upon arrival. “This was carried out in coordination with local authorities following an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre regarding a suspect wanted in India who was believed to be onboard,” the airline said. The aircraft was “thoroughly inspected and subsequently cleared” for further operations, the statement added.

Meanwhile, tense moments unfolded at Chennai Airport after the Airport Director received an alarming email at 9:55 a.m. The message claimed that five Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives were aboard the SriLankan Airlines flight bound for Colombo, with a plan to activate pre-planted explosives at Chennai airport. “Their real plan was to trigger explosives at Chennai airport using hidden signals via mobile phones,” the email warned.

Upon receipt of the threat, airport authorities immediately alerted the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police. However, by then, flight UL-122 had already departed and was en route to Colombo. The Area Control Centre and Sri Lankan authorities were immediately informed to take necessary precautions.

A senior officer from the Greater Chennai City Police said a further investigation would be launched to trace the source of the threatening email. In response to the alert, the Airport Authority of India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the CISF, and local police convened an urgent meeting to strengthen security measures at Chennai airport and ensure the safety of future flights