Kathmandu–Istanbul Flight Diverts to Kolkata Following Mid-Air Engine Blaze

A Turkish Airlines flight en route from Kathmandu to Istanbul turned into a high-pressure situation on Wednesday afternoon , but ended with relief as it made a safe emergency landing in eastern India. Shortly after taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport , the pilot reported a fire in the right engine , prompting the aircraft to declare a “PAN PAN” emergency call, a signal indicating a serious situation that still allows for a controlled response.

With one engine shut down and emergency procedures in full effect, the Airbus A330-300 was diverted to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport , where fire, rescue and medical teams were standing by. The crew skilfully managed the situation, extinguishing the fire while still airborne and landing the aircraft safely at around 2:30 pm local time .

All 236 passengers and 11 crew members on board escaped injury, authorities said, showcasing the effectiveness of modern aircraft design and emergency training. Jets like the A330 are engineered to fly and land safely even with only one functioning engine, a factor that contributed to the calm outcome.

After landing, the aircraft was immediately parked and is now under technical inspection to assess damage, particularly to the affected engine. Early reports suggest that the incident was confined largely to the engine area, with no confirmed structural damage to the aircraft’s fuselage or wings. Aviation officials will carry out thorough checks before the plane is cleared to fly again.

Passengers will continue their journeys on a replacement aircraft arranged for early Thursday, while regulators and maintenance teams investigate the exact cause of the malfunction.