Kathmandu: A minor fire broke out on the tyre of a Turkish Airlines plane after it landed on Monday in Nepal's capital of Kathmandu, authorities said, forcing the closure of the airport for an hour. All 277 passengers and 11 crew on the Airbus A330 arriving from Istanbul were evacuated using the emergency exits following the fire, and nobody was injured, Gyanendra Bhul, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal spokesperson, said.
According to Emirates News Agency, the incident occurred shortly after the aircraft made a safe landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. The swift response by the cabin crew and airport fire services ensured that the situation was contained quickly and efficiently. The emergency evacuation was carried out without any injuries to passengers or crew, highlighting the effectiveness of the airline's safety protocols.
The closure of the airport for an hour led to minor disruptions in flight schedules, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airport officials worked diligently to resume operations as soon as the runway was cleared and deemed safe for use. The cause of the tyre fire is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities to prevent future occurrences.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and preparedness in aviation, ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew is a top priority for airlines and airport authorities alike. Flight operations have since returned to normal at Tribhuvan International Airport, with no further incidents reported.
