In a dramatic scene at Nepal’s main airport, a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 faced fire and smoke from its landing gear right after touching down. This incident, known as the Turkish Airlines Kathmandu landing gear fire, unfolded on May 11, 2026, at Tribhuvan International Airport. All 288 people on board walked away unharmed, thanks to a quick evacuation.
The Flight and Initial Problem
The plane had flown from Istanbul to Kathmandu with 277 passengers and 11 crew members. As it landed on the runway, fire became visible on the right main landing gear. Smoke poured out shortly after, during the taxi phase.
Gyanendra Bhul, a spokesman for Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that flames appeared during landing. Videos shared on social media captured the orange glow and thick smoke rising from the wheel area. The crew acted fast to stop the plane and prepare for an emergency.
Swift Evacuation Saves Lives
Passengers and crew evacuated using the aircraft’s emergency slides. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and put out the fire. No one suffered injuries, even with the visible flames nearby.
Turkish Airlines spokesman Yahya Ustun posted on social media that smoke started from a technical issue in a hydraulic pipe. The airline praised the crew’s response. Everyone gathered safely on the ground while firefighters worked.
Runway Closure Causes Delays
Tribhuvan International Airport has just one runway, so the event shut it down for almost two hours. Incoming flights faced long delays or had to divert to other airports. This ripple effect hit many travelers headed to Nepal’s capital.
The airport resumed operations after officials cleared the area. Turkish Airlines arranged an extra flight to take passengers back to Istanbul. The damaged plane stayed on site for checks.
What Might Have Caused the Fire?
Early reports point to two main possibilities. One is a burst tire on the right landing gear, which could create heat and friction. The other is a problem with a hydraulic pipe, affecting gear systems.
These issues often happen during high-stress moments like touchdown and braking. Investigators look at whether the trouble started at wheel contact, during slowdown, or on taxi. Heat from brakes or tires can spark smoke or fire in such cases.
Ongoing Investigation
As of May 12, 2026, Nepalese authorities and Turkish Airlines teams were examining the Airbus A330. They focus on the landing gear parts. The goal is to find the exact sequence of events and prevent future risks.
The airline’s technical experts joined local officials on the runway. Full details will come from their report. For now, the focus stays on safety and quick fixes.
Lessons for Air Travel Safety
Events like the Turkish Airlines Kathmandu landing gear fire show how training pays off. Crews handle crises with calm steps, from spotting smoke to slide deployment. Airports with single runways highlight the need for backup plans.
Passengers can feel secure knowing modern planes have strong safety features. Quick action by ground crews also helps. This case ended well, but it reminds everyone of aviation’s challenges.
Conclusion
The Turkish Airlines Kathmandu landing gear fire tested emergency systems at Tribhuvan International Airport, yet it resulted in zero injuries among 288 people. From landing flames to safe slides, the response worked as planned. As investigators dig deeper, the event underscores reliable procedures in air travel. Travelers to Nepal can move forward with confidence in these safeguards.
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