A Turkish Airlines flight arriving from Istanbul caught fire while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday, May 11, drawing attention to the safety protocols followed during aviation emergencies. The incident involved an Airbus A330, which had on board a total of 277 passengers and 11 crew members.
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According to reports from various news agencies including Reuters and Metro UK, smoke was first detected coming from the aircraft’s landing gear as it taxied after landing. In response to the situation, Turkish Airlines activated emergency evacuation procedures, prompting passengers to leave the plane via the emergency slides.
Yahya Üstün, the Senior Vice President of Communications for Turkish Airlines, stated that the landing was routine until the alarming sight of smoke prompted immediate action. He noted, “In line with the instructions of the air traffic control, passengers were evacuated precautionarily via slides. The evacuation process was completed successfully and no injuries were reported.”
Following the incident, Turkish Airlines confirmed that further technical inspections of the aircraft were underway to determine the cause of the smoke. Preliminary assessments indicated that the issue stemmed from a malfunction in a hydraulic pipe, specifically relating to the right rear tire where the fire had originated. To facilitate their investigation, officials from the airline have already taken necessary steps and preparations for a replacement flight.
Moreover, the airport underwent a brief closure lasting approximately one hour as the emergency services extinguished the fire and ensured the safety of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that the sole runway at Tribhuvan International Airport was closed for nearly two hours while operations resumed.
Gyanendra Bhul, an information officer for CAAN, informed the media that while the fire had been extinguished without incident, an investigation was being launched to understand the specifics of the accident. He assured that all individuals aboard the flight were safe and that the immediate rescue efforts had been completed.
Such incidents, while rare, highlight the challenges of aviation safety in Nepal, which is known for its treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. The nation has a history of aviation mishaps; for instance, in 2015, another Turkish Airlines flight skidded off the runway during adverse weather conditions, though thankfully, there were no injuries reported from that event. Furthermore, just last year in 2023, a tragic Yeti Airlines crash resulted in 68 fatalities, serving as a somber reminder of the risks involved in air travel in mountainous regions.
As Turkish Airlines prepares to carry out its standard operational checks and balances, authorities and industry observers are closely monitoring developments from this incident. The emphasis remains on ensuring that such occurrences are thoroughly investigated to enhance safety measures and mitigate future risks for all passengers.
This latest incident adds to the narrative of aviation safety concerns in Nepal, as industry stakeholders work diligently to maintain the highest safety standards in one of the world’s most challenging flying environments. The incident is likely to prompt discussions regarding how aviation practices can be improved to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring that air travel remains reliable and safe for all.