Emergency Evacuation Saves 278 Passengers
A major aviation scare unfolded in Nepal after a Turkish Airlines aircraft caught fire while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Monday morning. The flight, carrying 278 passengers along with 11 crew members, was safely evacuated following the incident, with no injuries reported.
According to airport officials, the aircraft had arrived from Istanbul when flames were spotted near the right landing gear during touchdown. Thick smoke was seen rising from the aircraft as emergency response teams rushed to the runway.
Fire Contained Within Minutes
Airport firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control using emergency fire engines stationed at the airport. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were evacuated through emergency exits immediately after the fire broke out. ([www.ndtv.com][3])
The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as Turkish Airlines flight TK726 operating from Istanbul to Kathmandu. Some United Nations officials were also reportedly among the passengers onboard.
Turkish Airlines later stated that preliminary findings pointed toward a possible technical malfunction involving a hydraulic pipe, which may have triggered smoke and fire near the landing gear system. Technical inspections are currently underway.
Kathmandu Airport Operations Affected
The incident temporarily disrupted operations at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal’s main international gateway. Airport authorities briefly suspended runway operations while emergency crews handled the situation and removed the aircraft from the runway area.
The aircraft was later towed to a taxiway for inspection, while passengers were shifted to secure areas inside the airport terminal. Turkish Airlines has reportedly arranged an alternative flight for stranded travelers.
Concerns Over Aviation Safety
The incident has once again highlighted aviation safety concerns in Nepal, where difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions often pose operational challenges for airlines. Tribhuvan International Airport has witnessed multiple runway and landing-related incidents over the years, including a Turkish Airlines aircraft accident in 2015.
