Turkish Airlines A330 Evacuated After Landing Gear Fire Shuts Kathmandu Airport, All Passengers Safe

KUALA LUMPUR, May, 2026 — A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 was evacuated after experiencing a landing gear fire shortly after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, forcing the temporary shutdown of Nepal’s main international airport and prompting an emergency aviation response.

Airport officials confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, with no immediate reports of injuries following the incident. Emergency responders quickly moved into action to contain the fire and secure the aircraft after smoke was detected near the landing gear area.

The incident caused significant disruption to airport operations, with flights temporarily delayed and runway activity suspended as emergency crews assessed safety conditions.

Emergency Response Activated Immediately After Landing

According to airport authorities, the Turkish Airlines aircraft had landed normally before signs of fire emerged around the landing gear system during taxiing procedures.

Pilots immediately alerted air traffic control, triggering emergency protocols at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal’s busiest aviation hub.

Firefighters and airport emergency teams rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, while cabin crew initiated passenger evacuation procedures as a precautionary safety measure.

Witnesses at the airport reported seeing smoke near the aircraft as emergency vehicles surrounded the plane shortly after landing.

Officials later confirmed that the fire was brought under control without spreading to other sections of the aircraft.

Passengers Safely Evacuated

Authorities stated that all passengers and crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft, with no fatalities or serious injuries reported.

Medical teams were placed on standby to assist passengers who may have experienced stress, smoke exposure, or minor discomfort during the emergency evacuation process.

Several passengers reportedly described the situation as tense but orderly, praising the flight crew for handling the evacuation professionally.

Airport officials emphasized that safety protocols worked effectively and helped prevent a more serious incident.

Kathmandu Airport Operations Temporarily Suspended

The incident forced a temporary suspension of operations at Tribhuvan International Airport, causing delays to incoming and outgoing flights.

Several aircraft scheduled to land in Kathmandu were either delayed or redirected while authorities inspected the runway and surrounding areas for potential hazards.

Airport management later confirmed that operations would gradually resume after safety clearance was completed and emergency assessments concluded.

The airport, which serves as Nepal’s primary international gateway, is known for operational challenges due to mountainous terrain and limited runway capacity, making disruptions particularly impactful.

Investigation Into Cause of Fire Underway

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the landing gear fire.

Preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have been linked to:

• Brake overheating after landing
• Mechanical failure in the landing gear system
• Hydraulic or tire-related complications

However, officials stressed that it is too early to confirm the precise cause until a full technical inspection is completed.

Turkish Airlines is expected to cooperate closely with Nepalese aviation regulators and airport authorities during the investigation.

Aircraft Safety Procedures Credited for Avoiding Disaster

Aviation experts noted that landing gear fires, while uncommon, are not unheard of and are often manageable if detected quickly.

The successful evacuation highlighted the importance of:

• Well-trained cabin crew
• Rapid emergency response coordination
• Strict international aviation safety procedures

Experts say incidents like this demonstrate why emergency preparedness remains a critical component of airline operations worldwide.