Kolkata: A Turkish Airlines flight travelling from Kathmandu to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata airport after a fire was reported in one of its engines on Tuesday. All passengers and crew members are reported to be safe.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was flying over Indian airspace. Soon after the engine issue was detected, the flight crew alerted air traffic control and requested permission for an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
Safe Emergency Landing
Airport officials said the aircraft landed safely following standard emergency procedures. Fire tenders and medical teams were already on standby when the plane touched down. The engine fire was quickly brought under control, and there was no report of injuries.
Passengers were evacuated safely from the aircraft and moved to a secure area inside the airport terminal. Authorities praised the flight crew for handling the situation calmly and professionally.
Passengers Shifted, Aircraft Grounded
After the landing, the aircraft was grounded for inspection. Technical teams from Turkish Airlines and airport authorities began examining the engine to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Passengers were provided assistance by the airline, including food, accommodation, and information about onward travel. Turkish Airlines said alternate arrangements were being made to fly passengers to Istanbul at the earliest.
Several passengers described moments of anxiety during the flight but said the crew kept them informed and reassured throughout the emergency.
Airline Issues Statement
Turkish Airlines later issued a statement confirming the emergency landing. The airline said the decision to divert the flight to Kolkata was taken as a precautionary measure after a technical issue was detected in the engine.
The airline also stated that passenger safety remains its top priority and that the aircraft will only return to service after full safety checks are completed.
Airport Operations Unaffected
Airport officials said regular operations at Kolkata airport were not significantly affected due to the emergency landing. The incident was handled smoothly, and emergency protocols worked as planned.
Aviation experts noted that emergency landings due to engine issues, while rare, are managed through strict safety procedures. Modern aircraft are designed to land safely even if one engine fails.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have begun a routine investigation into the incident. The findings will help determine whether the fire was caused by a mechanical fault or another technical issue.
The emergency landing highlights the importance of aviation safety systems and crew training, which help prevent accidents even in unexpected situations
