Unfair airline practices at Dubai Airport exploit Sri Lankan migrant workers

By Muhamed Rasalie

In August 2025, while in transit at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 flight no. UL226, departing time 23:00, I witnessed a troubling practice by SriLankan Airlines staff that left me both shocked and saddened. It was not just an inconvenience to passengers; it was an outright exploitation of Sri Lankan migrant workers—the very people whose sacrifices and remittances keep our nation’s economy afloat.

On a recent SriLankan Airlines flight from Dubai to Colombo, passengers went through check-in as usual. At no point were their hand luggage items weighed, nor were they informed about possible penalties for exceeding the 7 kg allowance. There was also no mention that duty-free purchases might be included in this restriction. Passengers left the counter reassured, unaware of what awaited them later.

It was only at the boarding gate—moments before departure—that airline staff began weighing bags and announcing penalties. Suddenly, passengers were told that anything over 7 kg, including duty-free shopping, would incur additional charges. For many travellers, this meant paying unexpected fees at the very last minute, with little choice but to comply if they wished to board.

This selective and inconsistent enforcement is deeply unfair. According to SriLankan Airlines’ own policy, passengers are entitled to an extra 2 kg allowance for duty-free items. Yet this was ignored. The staff’s abrupt actions caused distress and humiliation for many travellers, particularly low-income Sri Lankan migrant workers.

I stood by and watched as hardworking men and women—who earn meagre salaries abroad and send money back home to sustain their families—were forced to scramble for cash at the gate. For these workers, every rupee counts. To suddenly be charged unfairly, after clearing check-in without warning, is nothing less than exploitation.

These individuals are not just passengers. They are Sri Lanka’s unsung heroes, contributing billions in remittances each year—vital foreign income that supports our national economy. Yet the treatment they received at Dubai Airport revealed a glaring contradiction: while our leaders praise migrant workers as “economic lifelines,” our national airline subjects them to practices that strip away their dignity.

This kind of conduct raises serious questions. Why are hand luggage checks not done consistently at the check-in counter, where passengers have options? Why wait until the boarding gate, where travellers are powerless to adjust? And why is the airline ignoring its own allowance for duty-free purchases?

The answer, unfortunately, points to opportunism. By enforcing the rules selectively at the last possible moment, the airline ensures passengers have no alternative but to pay. It is a calculated move that profits at the expense of the most vulnerable.

SriLankan Airlines must urgently reform its procedures. Transparency and consistency should be the cornerstone of passenger service. If hand luggage is to be restricted, it should be checked and communicated at the check-in desk, with clear explanations of allowances. Duty-free exemptions should be honoured, not dismissed. Above all, passengers should be treated with fairness and respect.

The dignity of migrant workers cannot be compromised. They already endure separation from their families, harsh working conditions abroad, and immense personal sacrifices. The least they deserve is a fair and respectful travel experience when returning home.

As a British citizen of Sri Lankan origin, I feel a deep responsibility to speak out about this injustice. Airlines carry not just passengers, but trust. When that trust is broken, it damages not only the airline’s reputation but also Sri Lanka’s image on the global stage. 

I urge SriLankan Airlines, aviation authorities, and Government regulators to investigate and put an end to these exploitative practices. Let us ensure that our migrant workers, who give so much to our nation, can return home with pride—not humiliation at the boarding gate.

Reference:

https://www.srilankan.com/de_de/corporate/faq-search-result?key=cabin&utm_source=chatgpt.com

(The writer resides in the United Kingdom.)