Turkish Airlines Plane Evacuated After Tyre Fire on Landing in Kathmandu
A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 arriving from Istanbul caught fire in a tyre after landing at Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport on May 11, 2026. All 277 passengers and 11 crew members were evacuated using emergency slides with no injuries reported. The incident forced the airport to close for about an hour while the fire was extinguished and the runway cleared.
The IndependentEmergency crews quickly responded and brought the fire under control. All those on board slid down emergency chutes to safety with no injuries reported. The plane was later towed clear of the runway to a taxiway where it remains grounded. Officials closed the airport for roughly one hour while they investigated the cause and cleared the sole runway.
Several incoming flights were held at their departure airports or placed in holding patterns as a result of the closure. Airport operations resumed once the runway was declared safe. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.
Passengers left the aircraft using emergency slides as smoke rose from the landing gear. Emergency crews at the airport acted within minutes to extinguish the flames. Officials confirmed that every person aboard reached the ground safely before the fire was fully put out.
The incident occurred shortly after the jet completed its landing roll from Istanbul. No passengers or crew required medical attention. The airport's only runway was unavailable during the response and subsequent inspection.
The Airbus A330 was towed away once the fire was doused.
It has been grounded pending further examination. Authorities described the fire as minor and limited to one tyre. The aircraft sustained damage that will require repairs before it can return to service.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- May 11, 10:03 AM ET
1 new source added: @Independent
1 source@Independent - May 11, 2026
Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 lands at Tribhuvan International Airport from Istanbul.
2 sourcesThe Independent · Al-Monitor - May 11, 2026
Fire breaks out in right rear tyre shortly after landing.
2 sourcesThe Independent · Al-Monitor - May 11, 2026
All 277 passengers and 11 crew evacuated via emergency slides with no injuries.
2 sourcesThe Independent · Al-Monitor - May 11, 2026
Airport closes for one hour while fire is extinguished and runway cleared.
2 sourcesThe Independent · Al-Monitor - May 11, 2026
Aircraft towed to taxiway and grounded pending investigation.
1 sourceAl-Monitor
Potential Impact
- 01
Tribhuvan International Airport suspended all operations for one hour.
- 02
Multiple inbound flights to Kathmandu were delayed or held.
- 03
Nepal aviation authorities launched an investigation into the tyre fire cause.
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