In a dramatic turn of events, a Turkish Airlines flight bound for Istanbul from Kathmandu was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Wednesday. The incident unfolded just minutes after takeoff when the pilot reported a fire in the right engine.
The wide-body aircraft, flight THY-727, had departed Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at around 13:38 local time with 225 passengers and 11 crew members on board, totaling 236 people. According to air traffic control communications, the crew declared a ‘pan-pan’ emergency shortly after departure, indicating a serious but non-immediate threat to safety.
Captain and crew acted swiftly, assessing the situation as they flew on a single engine. Options to return to Kathmandu or divert to nearby Bhairahawa were considered, but the aircraft’s condition made a long-haul flight to Istanbul impossible. Kolkata, being the nearest suitable airport, was selected for the emergency landing.
By 13:51, the crew confirmed they had gained control of the fire, though the right engine remained failed. The plane touched down safely at Kolkata airport, where fire tenders and emergency services were on high alert. All passengers and crew disembarked without injury, though initial chaos ensued as authorities managed the situation.
The Airport Authority of India confirmed the successful landing and stated that the aircraft is undergoing thorough technical inspections. Investigations into the engine failure cause are underway, and passengers await further updates on their travel arrangements. This incident underscores the critical role of pilot training and quick decision-making in aviation safety.