What happened
On 01 June 2023, an Airbus A320-200, registration 4R-MRE, operated by SriLankan Airlines, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (VCBI) from Cochin, India. During the disembarkation process at parking bay B-17, a 65-year-old male passenger experienced a medical emergency while using the passenger steps (UL 11-29). The passenger sagged while descending the steps but did not fall.
Following the incident, the passenger was assisted by security and ramp personnel to a passenger coach. Despite receiving CPR from a fellow passenger and receiving initial treatment at the airport medical centre, the passenger was later pronounced dead after being transported to Negombo General Hospital.