Turkish Airlines Plane Suffers Tire Fire During Landing in Kathmandu

A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Kathmandu caught fire on its right-side tires during landing at Tribhuvan International Airport early Monday morning, prompting an emergency evacuation. All 278 passengers and 11 crew members were safely evacuated, according to airport security officials, with no injuries reported. Fire crews on the ground quickly contained the blaze using fire engines.

Police confirmed the aircraft, operating as call sign TK726, was on final approach when the tire fire occurred. Senior Police Officer Rajkumar Silawal stated that emergency protocols were followed, and evacuation took place via emergency exits. Video footage circulating on social media shows flames engulfing the right landing gear and thick grey smoke rising from the aircraft as passengers exited onto the tarmac.

Among those on board were several United Nations officials, though their identities were not disclosed. The airport and airline have not issued official statements. Tribhuvan International Airport remains operational, with authorities launching an investigation into the cause of the fire. The aircraft remains on the tarmac pending technical assessment.