KATHMANDU, MAY 11
Operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) resumed about one and a half hours after being suspended early Monday morning when a Turkish Airlines aircraft caught fire on landing.
The airport, which had been closed since around 6:45 am, reopened after the situation was brought under control.
Flights gradually resumed, with Air India and FlyDubai aircraft landing at 8:30 am and 8:35 am respectively, while some departures also took place.
The disruption followed an incident involving Turkish Airlines flight TK726 arriving from Istanbul, whose landing gear caught fire upon touchdown. The aircraft was carrying 273 passengers and 11 crew members.
Airport authorities said all passengers and crew were safely evacuated through emergency exits, although some sustained minor hand injuries during the evacuation.
According to Airport Security Office Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Silwal, the fire that broke out in the aircraft's tyres was quickly extinguished with the help of fire engines. The aircraft was brought to a halt on the runway, leading to a temporary suspension of flight operations.
Acting General Manager of TIA, Teknath Sitaula, said the runway was closed for technical inspection before operations resumed.
The aircraft, which was also carrying cargo including human remains, was later moved from the runway, allowing normal flight movement to resume.
Authorities said an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
