Kolkata’s aviation hub sprang into action Wednesday as a Turkish Airlines wide-body aircraft, en route from Kathmandu to Istanbul, diverted for an urgent landing following an in-flight engine blaze. Flight THY-727 lifted off from Tribhuvan International Airport with 236 aboard—225 travelers and 11 crew—only to face catastrophe four minutes later.
The right engine ignited, prompting the pilot to alert ATC with a ‘pan-pan’ at 13:38. Mastering composure, the team extinguished the flames by 13:51 while navigating on one powerplant. Returning to Kathmandu or Bhairahawa posed risks for the long journey ahead, steering them toward Kolkata.
Emergency protocols activated seamlessly at the Indian airport: runways cleared, rescue vehicles positioned. The aircraft landed without incident, ensuring zero casualties despite onboard frenzy. Officials from the Airport Authority of India issued statements affirming safety and ongoing probes.
Technical teams now dissect the jet, scrutinizing engine components for failure origins—possibly fuel issues or mechanical faults. Passengers, safe but stranded, receive support from Turkish Airlines, including hotels and alternative flights. This near-miss bolsters confidence in global air safety standards, crediting crew vigilance and infrastructure readiness.