Flight operations came to a halt when a Turkish Airlines plane incident led to the closure of a major airport. Tribhuvan International Airport shut down for 98 minutes on Monday, May 11, from 6:34 am to 8:12 am, as confirmed by Gyanendra Bhul, assistant spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The aircraft experienced a fire in its right main landing gear, causing part of the wide-body plane to be stuck on Taxiway Bravo while the remainder remained on the runway, prompting authorities to suspend all incoming and outgoing flights.
The plane, carrying a total of 288 individuals, including 11 crew members, was reportedly involved in the incident, according to The Kathmandu Post. Initial reports indicated that a tire on the right main landing gear of the aircraft caught fire, possibly due to factors like a rough landing, tire pressure irregularities, or other technical malfunctions.
Passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides, though two individuals suffered minor finger injuries, as disclosed by Turkish Airlines. The aircraft has been grounded for further technical inspections, with accommodation arrangements made for passengers awaiting departure from Kathmandu. Additionally, urgent travelers are being accommodated on alternative flights.
A maintenance and repair team is set to conduct investigations at the airport, while the Flight Safety Standard Department of the Civil Aviation Authority will conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident.