Mid-Air Scare
A flight bound for Istanbul from Kathmandu experienced a severe mid-air incident when its right engine reportedly ignited shortly after departure. The
widebody aircraft, carrying a total of 236 people comprising 225 passengers and 11 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing. Airport authorities at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata confirmed the safe touchdown, with no injuries reported among those on board. The aircraft was subsequently positioned at the Kolkata airport for a thorough technical assessment of the incident.
Swift Action
The flight, identified as THY-727, an Airbus A330-300, took off from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport at 1:29 pm. Crucially, within just four minutes of ascent, the flight crew detected a significant malfunction in the aircraft's right engine. According to official statements from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the pilot promptly notified the Kathmandu air traffic control and initiated procedures to shut down the affected engine. The plane then circled the Dharke area for approximately ten minutes, allowing the crew to assess the gravity of the situation and formulate a plan.
Decision to Divert
Facing a critical situation with a compromised engine, the flight crew had to make a swift and crucial decision regarding their next course of action. While the options included returning to their point of origin in Kathmandu or diverting to another nearby airport like Bhairahawa, the assessment indicated that the aircraft was not in a condition suitable for extended flight, especially a long-haul journey. Therefore, the most prudent course of action was to seek an immediate emergency landing at the nearest viable international airport, which led them to Kolkata. The plane successfully touched down in Kolkata at 3:03 pm, bringing the tense situation to a safe conclusion.
Context of Safety
This recent emergency landing occurs against a backdrop of heightened awareness and concern surrounding aviation safety. The incident follows a series of aviation mishaps that have drawn attention to the industry's safety protocols. Just the previous week, a Learjet 45 charter aircraft met with a tragic accident while attempting to land in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the loss of five lives, including that of a prominent political figure. In response, aviation regulatory bodies have initiated comprehensive audits of the involved operators. Furthermore, a past incident on June 12, 2025, involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashing in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, was attributed to a critical fuel control switch malfunction, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance in aviation.
