Passengers Escape Unharmed Following Turkish Airlines Gear Fire in Kathmandu

A Turkish Airlines jet carrying 288 individuals landed safely at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on May 11, despite a fire breaking out in its landing gear.

All 277 passengers and 11 crew members were evacuated without injury.

Gyanendra Bhul, a spokesperson for the Nepalese civil aviation authority, confirmed that the fire was spotted upon landing.

The incident forced the temporary closure of the airport’s lone runway for approximately two hours.

According to Turkish Airlines representative Yahya Ustun, the emergency evacuation occurred after smoke was detected near the landing gear during taxi.

An early technical review suggests a faulty hydraulic pipe was the source of the issue. The company is conducting a formal inspection of the aircraft and has arranged a replacement flight for the return trip.

Kathmandu’s airport is known for its difficult terrain and high-altitude surroundings.

The airport has seen previous incidents, including a 2015 event involving a Turkish Airlines plane that veered off the runway, leading to a four-day shutdown.