A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul caught fire while landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, prompting an immediate evacuation of all 277 passengers. The Airbus A330 experienced smoke and flames from its right-side landing gear upon touchdown. Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, managing to control the fire without any reported injuries. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal noted that the fire originated from the right rear tire, attributing it to a technical malfunction in a hydraulic pipe. As a result of the fire, the airport was temporarily closed, delaying multiple flights as officials worked to clear the runway and assess the situation.
Why It Matters
Air travel in Nepal has a history of safety challenges due to its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, which can complicate flight operations. Past incidents, including a 2015 Turkish Airlines jet skidding off a runway in poor visibility, highlight ongoing concerns about aviation safety in the region. In recent years, fatal crashes have occurred, such as the Yeti Airlines incident in 2023, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures and technical inspections for aircraft operating in Nepal. The frequency of such incidents calls for continuous improvements in aviation safety protocols to protect passengers and crews.
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