A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 was evacuated after a fire broke out on its landing gear during a landing in Kathmandu on Sunday [1, 2, 3].
The incident highlights the critical nature of emergency response protocols at high-traffic international hubs, where rapid evacuation is essential to prevent casualties during mechanical failures.
The aircraft touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal when a fire ignited on a tyre or the landing gear [1, 2, 3]. Emergency crews responded to the scene to extinguish the flames and facilitate the exit of those on board.
Reports on the total number of passengers vary between 277 [2] and 288 [4]. Along with the passengers, 11 crew members were on the aircraft [2]. Officials said that all individuals on board were evacuated safely [1, 3].
Following the emergency, Tribhuvan International Airport was closed for approximately one hour [2]. The temporary shutdown disrupted flight schedules as crews worked to secure the aircraft and clear the runway for other traffic.
Turkish Airlines and airport authorities have not yet released a detailed technical report on the specific cause of the tyre failure. However, the swift evacuation process ensured that no injuries were reported despite the risk posed by the fire [1, 3].
“All passengers and crew were evacuated safely”
This incident underscores the operational risks associated with landing gear failures, which can lead to immediate fires due to friction and heat. The successful evacuation of nearly 300 people without injury demonstrates the effectiveness of current aviation safety standards and the coordination between international carriers and local airport emergency services in Nepal.
