Turkish Airlines plane fire in Kathmandu prompts safe evacuation of 288
Turkish Airlines plane fire in Kathmandu: all 288 onboard evacuated after right-rear tyre fire; Tribhuvan Airport closed for an hour while crews put out the blaze.
A Turkish Airlines aircraft experienced a fire in its right‑rear tyre upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, prompting the immediate evacuation of all 288 people onboard. The incident, involving an Airbus A330-300 arriving from Istanbul, resulted in a temporary closure of the airport while emergency teams brought the blaze under control. Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that passengers and crew were safely evacuated and that no serious injuries were reported. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the cause of the tyre fire and the sequence of events during the evacuation.
Aircraft Evacuated After Right‑Rear Tyre Fire
Airport and airline emergency crews responded swiftly after the aircraft reported a fire in the right‑rear wheel assembly during or immediately after touchdown. Firefighters reached the scene quickly and deployed foam and other firefighting agents to extinguish the flames and cool the affected area.
Crew members initiated standard evacuation procedures and used slides to get passengers off the aircraft while keeping them at a safe distance. Staff and emergency responders coordinated to ensure the evacuation proceeded in an orderly manner and to provide first aid where needed.
All 288 Passengers and Crew Accounted For
A spokesperson for Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was carrying 277 passengers and 11 crew members, all of whom were evacuated without major injury. Officials conducted headcounts and medical checks at the airport to confirm everyone’s status and to identify any minor injuries or cases of shock.
Medical teams and airport staff provided initial care, and authorities reported that there were no life‑threatening conditions among evacuees. Several passengers were assessed as a precaution and later released, according to the civil aviation statement.
Tribhuvan Airport Closed for an Hour
Tribhuvan International Airport briefly suspended operations while emergency services worked to extinguish the fire and clear the runway area. Air traffic control redirected or delayed flights during the closure to maintain safety and manage airspace congestion.
Airport officials reopened the facility after roughly an hour once the aircraft was secured and the affected pavement was inspected for damage. Ground crews conducted runway checks to ensure the surface was safe for normal operations to resume.
Civil Aviation Authority Provides Details
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal issued an initial statement confirming the evacuation and the location of the fire on the aircraft’s right‑rear tyre. Authorities emphasized that swift coordination between crew, airport firefighters, and ground staff helped prevent escalation of the incident.
Investigators from the authority will examine maintenance records, tyre condition, braking systems and any potential foreign object damage to determine the root cause. The authority said it would cooperate with Turkish Airlines and the aircraft’s manufacturer as part of the probe.
Flight Origin and Aircraft Type Confirmed
The aircraft was identified as an Airbus A330‑300 operating a flight from Istanbul to Kathmandu. Turkish Airlines operates multiple long‑haul services between Turkey and South Asia, and the A330‑300 is a commonly used widebody for such routes.
Officials indicated that the aircraft will remain grounded at the airport pending a technical inspection and further investigation. The airline is expected to arrange alternative travel options for affected passengers once formalities are complete.
Response, Safety Procedures and Next Steps
Airport firefighting teams and ground personnel followed established international safety protocols during the incident, according to civil aviation officials. The coordinated response prioritized rapid evacuation, fire suppression and passenger welfare, demonstrating adherence to emergency operating procedures.
Investigators will review cockpit voice and flight data recorders if necessary and perform a technical examination of the landing gear and braking systems. Turkish Airlines and regulatory authorities will likely issue follow‑up statements as the investigation advances and any safety recommendations are developed.
The incident at Kathmandu underscores aviation safety teams’ focus on rapid response and passenger protection, and authorities say findings from the investigation will be shared when available to ensure transparency and to support any required corrective actions.
