Kathmandu, Nepal – A Turkish Airlines aircraft experienced a tyre fire on its right landing gear while touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport early Monday, prompting a swift emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew.
The flight, operating as TK726 from Istanbul to Kathmandu, landed when the incident occurred. Airport security officials confirmed that firefighters quickly contained the blaze, and every person on board escaped unharmed through emergency exits.
According to SP Rajkumar Silawal of airport security, the aircraft’s tyres caught fire during landing. “The aircraft with call sign TK726 was en route to Kathmandu from Istanbul, and the tyre had caught fire while landing. Using the fire engine, it has been contained. All the passengers are safely evacuated,” he told reporters by telephone.
The plane was carrying 278 passengers, including some United Nations officials, along with 11 crew members. Videos circulating on social media showed flames visible on the right landing gear, accompanied by a thick plume of grey smoke as passengers exited the aircraft.
No injuries were reported, and authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the tyre fire. Neither Turkish Airlines nor airport officials have issued an official statement on the matter as yet.
This is not the first time a Turkish Airlines flight has faced difficulties at Tribhuvan International Airport. In 2015, another aircraft from the carrier, also operating under the TK726 call sign from Istanbul, skidded off the runway in foggy conditions. The Airbus A330 veered onto the grassy shoulder after the captain reportedly lost situational awareness during the final approach, missing the runway centreline. That incident forced the airport to close for four days, though all 224 people on board were safely evacuated with no injuries.
The latest event has drawn attention to safety protocols at the busy Himalayan airport, which serves as Nepal’s primary international gateway. Aviation experts will likely examine factors such as runway conditions, aircraft maintenance, and landing procedures as part of the ongoing probe.
Passengers were reported safe and accounted for following the efficient response by emergency services. Further updates are expected once investigators release preliminary findings.
