A Turkish Airlines aircraft caught fire while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday, prompting an immediate evacuation of all passengers and crew. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM local time as the Boeing 737-800 was touching down from Istanbul.
Emergency Response
Airport fire services rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames within minutes. All 168 passengers and 8 crew members were evacuated safely using emergency slides. No injuries have been reported, according to airport officials.
Cause Under Investigation
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Aviation authorities have launched an investigation. Preliminary reports suggest a possible brake failure or hydraulic leak may have sparked the flames.
The runway was temporarily closed for inspection, causing delays to several flights. Operations resumed after two hours. Turkish Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident and expressing gratitude that no one was harmed.
Passenger Accounts
Passengers described a loud noise followed by smoke entering the cabin. "We saw flames from the right side of the plane after landing. The crew acted quickly and got us out," said a passenger.
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols. Tribhuvan International Airport, located in a valley surrounded by hills, is known for challenging landings. The airport has seen several incidents in the past, including a 2018 crash of a US-Bangla Airlines flight.
Turkish Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu. The airline has a strong safety record. Further updates are awaited as investigations continue.
