Now a high-stakes emergency has gripped the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu this Monday morning. A Turkish Airlines aircraft, flight TK726, experienced a significant fire on its right landing gear while touching down on the runway. Therefore, an immediate rescue operation was launched to evacuate the 278 passengers and 11 crew members on board. Meanwhile, despite the thick plumes of grey smoke seen rising from the aircraft, airport security has confirmed that everyone has been safely rescued. Following the incident, authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure.
Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
The Touchdown Emergency: How the Fire Started
Now the flight from Istanbul was nearing the end of its journey when the routine landing turned into a life-threatening situation. As the aircraft made contact with the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport, the right-side tyre reportedly caught fire. Therefore, the pilot had to act quickly to bring the massive jet to a halt while alerting ground control.
The landing gear is subjected to immense friction and heat during touchdown.
First, airport security officials noted that the fire became visible almost immediately after the wheels touched the asphalt. Next, the rapid deployment of on-site fire engines was the mechanical necessity that prevented the blaze from spreading to the fuselage. Thus, the quick response from the TIA emergency teams was instrumental in avoiding a major disaster.
So the thick grey smoke billowing from the landing gear indicated a high-intensity fire. Meanwhile, the reasons behind the tyre failure remain unknown, with investigators looking into possible brake binding or debris on the runway. Therefore, the technical investigation is expected to focus on the aircraft’s maintenance logs and landing data.
Rescue and Evacuation: Safety Protocols in Action
Now with the fire engines containing the blaze, the priority shifted to the 289 people on board. SP Rajkumar Silawal from the airport security confirmed that the aircraft call sign TK726 was en route from Istanbul when the emergency began. Therefore, the decision was made to evacuate the cabin through emergency slides and doors immediately.
First, the crew managed to maintain order during the high-stress evacuation process. Next, all passengers were moved to a safe distance from the aircraft to avoid exposure to smoke inhalation. Thus, the “Shocking incident” ended without a single reported injury among the fliers or the 11 crew members.
So the fire engine crews remained on the scene to cool the landing gear and prevent any re-ignition. Meanwhile, the passengers were provided with medical check-ups and support at the terminal. Therefore, the successful evacuation is being hailed as a testament to the airport’s emergency readiness.
Visual Evidence: Analyzing the Incident Video
Now a video allegedly circulating on social media has provided a harrowing look at the incident. In the footage, the right landing gear of the Turkish Airlines jet is seen engulfed in flames as it slows down. Therefore, the visual confirmation of the fire has sparked significant conversation regarding aviation safety in 2026.
First, the plume of grey smoke visible in the video highlights the severity of the tyre fire. Next, the footage shows the prompt arrival of the fire tenders, which began dousing the landing gear with foam. Thus, the digital evidence aligns with the official statements provided by SP Rajkumar Silawal.
So while the airline has yet to comment, the video remains a primary source for the public to understand the scale of the emergency. Meanwhile, aviation experts are analyzing the landing speed and touchdown point based on these clips. Therefore, social media has once again played a role in documenting a critical safety event in real-time.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
UN Officials on Board: High-Profile Passengers Secured
Now among the 278 passengers were several officials from the United Nations (UN). Their presence on flight TK726 has brought international attention to the safety of the Kathmandu air route. Therefore, the safe evacuation of these high-profile individuals was a relief for the international diplomatic community.
First, the UN personnel were traveling to Nepal for regional projects when the incident occurred. Next, the airport authorities ensured that all passengers, regardless of rank, followed the same strict evacuation procedures. Thus, the safety of the entire manifest was managed with uniform professional excellence.
So the incident has prompted discussions about the safety of international flights operating into TIA. Meanwhile, the UN has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident involving its staff. Therefore, the focus remains on the domestic investigation being led by Nepali aviation authorities.
Historical Context: The 2015 Tribhuvan Runway Skid
Now this is not the first time Turkish Airlines has faced a crisis at Kathmandu’s fog-covered airport. In 2015, another Turkish Airlines aircraft—an Airbus A330—skidded off the runway and ploughed into the grassland. Therefore, today’s tyre fire has revived memories of the four-day airport shutdown caused by the previous accident.
Runway excursions often occur due to poor visibility or loss of situational awareness.
First, the 2015 incident was attributed to a loss of situational awareness by the flight captain during the final approach. Next, while no passengers were hurt then, the logistical nightmare of clearing the runway was a major challenge for Nepal. Thus, the call-sign TK726 has a complex history with this specific airport.
So the 2015 event involved 224 people being evacuated through emergency doors in similar foggy conditions. Meanwhile, today’s incident occurred in clearer weather, though the outcome was equally tense. Therefore, the historical record of Turkish Airlines at TIA will likely be a factor in the current safety audit.
Airport Operations: Current Status of TIA Runway
Now the emergency response at Tribhuvan International Airport has led to temporary disruptions in the daily schedule. While the fire was contained quickly, the aircraft remains on the taxiway for technical inspection. Therefore, other incoming and outgoing flights have faced delays as the runway was cleared of potential debris.
First, the “Chennai airport’s main runway” incident mentioned in reports shows that regional aviation hubs are currently facing a series of unrelated challenges. Next, the TIA management is working to ensure that no “FOD” (Foreign Object Debris) from the burst tyre remains on the runway. Thus, safety checks are being conducted before normal operations fully resume.
So the airport security has maintained a high level of vigilance following the rescue. Meanwhile, passengers of other airlines are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Therefore, the logistical impact of the TK726 fire is being managed with minimal long-term disruption.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
Airlines’ Silence: Waiting for the Official Statement
Now as of Monday afternoon, neither Turkish Airlines nor the TIA management has released an official technical statement. The reason behind the tyre catching fire is yet to be ascertained by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Therefore, the public is currently relying on police confirmations and eyewitness accounts.
First, Turkish Airlines is expected to launch its own internal investigation into the maintenance of the landing gear. Next, the CAAN will likely review the airport’s firefighting response time and runway condition. Thus, a formal report is anticipated in the coming days to provide a definitive answer to the cause of the fire.
So the “call sign TK726” will remain grounded until it is deemed airworthy by technical experts. Meanwhile, the aviation community is calling for increased transparency regarding landing gear failures. Therefore, the silence of the airlines is likely a temporary measure while they gather all factual data.
FAQ: Understanding the TK726 Tyre Fire
1. Was anyone injured in the Turkish Airlines fire in Kathmandu? Now, according to police officials, all 278 passengers and 11 crew members were safely evacuated without any reported injuries.
2. What flight was involved in the incident? First, the aircraft involved was flight TK726, which was traveling from Istanbul to Kathmandu.
3. What was the cause of the landing gear fire? So the exact cause is yet to be ascertained, though investigators are looking into mechanical failure or landing gear friction.
4. Has this happened before with Turkish Airlines in Nepal? Next, yes. In 2015, a Turkish Airlines plane skidded off the runway at the same airport, causing a four-day shutdown.
5. Were there any high-profile passengers on board? Now, airport security confirmed that the passengers included several United Nations (UN) officials.
6. Is the Kathmandu airport currently open? Finally, operations faced temporary delays during the rescue, but the runway is being cleared for normal traffic following safety inspections.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
End…
Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source
🙏 Support Independent Journalism
We keep news free for you.
Most readers support with ₹500 ❤️
or scan QR below
Voluntary contribution. No tax benefits.
DISCLAIMER
We have taken all measures to ensure that the information provided in this article and on our social media platform is credible, verified and sourced from other Big media Houses. For any feedback or complaint, reach out to us at businessleaguein@gmail.com
