Fifteen-year-old Australian pilot Byron Waller is set to arrive in Sri Lanka today, 17 August 2025, as part of his mission to become the youngest supported pilot to fly around the world. Living with Crohn’s disease, Byron has embarked on this remarkable journey under the campaign Teen Pilot Down Under, aiming to raise global awareness about youth resilience and chronic illness.
On 15 August, he successfully completed his first international leg from Christmas Island to Singapore, navigating storm systems that even forced commercial jets to reroute. His next challenge a demanding 1,500 nautical mile, 11-hour flight across open waters, brings him to Sri Lanka.
The flight will be managed locally by Premier Aviation Sri Lanka, who have extended a warm welcome to the young aviator. Byron’s journey is being celebrated not only as an aviation milestone but also as a powerful story of courage, determination and inspiration.
Colombo International Airport – Ratmalana, together with the International Airline & Aviation College (IAAC) Sri Lanka and the IAAC Airport Academy, is fully prepared to receive and honour the 15-year-old pioneer.
