Kathmandu, February 4
A Turkish Airlines aircraft flying from Tribhuvan International Airport to Istanbul caught fire in its right engine shortly after takeoff.
Airport General Manager Tek Nath Sitaula said the aircraft, flight number THY 727, took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 1:28 pm on Wednesday, and a fire broke out in the right engine about four minutes later.
“The captain reported a fire in the right engine just four minutes after takeoff,” Sitaula said. “The crew then flew the aircraft towards the western direction, shut down the right engine, and held for about 10 to 12 minutes.”
According to him, the wide-body A330-303 series aircraft was carrying 225 passengers.
Following reports of the engine fire, Tribhuvan International Airport was completely closed for 15 minutes.
“We prepared all necessary emergency measures, including fire engines and ambulances, and shut down the airport,” Sitaula said. “However, when the Turkish crew requested to divert the aircraft to Kolkata, India, we granted permission.”
He said the fire was brought under control after the right engine was shut down. The aircraft then continued its journey using only the left engine and diverted to Kolkata.
“The aircraft has now landed safely in Kolkata,” Sitaula said. “Our airport has also resumed normal operations.”
