A fire broke out in the right main landing gear of a Turkish Airlines aircraft which forced a closure of the airport and delays for passengers.

07:51, Mon, May 11, 2026 Updated: 07:55, Mon, May 11, 2026

Passengers were evacuated using evacuation slides

Passengers were evacuated using evacuation slides (Image: The Kathmandu Post)

The Tribhuvan International Airport was closed for 98 minutes, between 6.34am and 8.12am on Monday, May 11, according to Gyanendra Bhul, assistant spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. It is believed that a fire erupted in the aircraft's right main landing gear.

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A section of the airline's wide-body plane became stuck on Taxiway Bravo, while the remainder of the aircraft stayed on the runway. Officials had to suspend all domestic and international flights.

Initial reports suggested that a tyre on the aircraft's right main landing gear had ignited. Potential causes could include a hard landing, tyre pressure faults or other technical difficulties, officials said.

Passengers exited the aircraft via evacuation slides. Two passengers suffered minor injuries to their fingers, according to Turkish Airlines.

A total of 288 people, including 11 crew members, were aboard the aircraft, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Turkish Airlines plane (file image)

Turkish Airlines plane (file image) (Image: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The aircraft remains grounded while technical inspections are ongoing and hotel accommodation has been arranged for passengers due to depart from Kathmandu.

Officials are also working to send urgent travellers to their destinations on alternative flights.

A maintenance, repair and overhaul crew will examine the issue at the airport, while the Civil Aviation Authority's Flight Safety Standard Department will also conduct a thorough investigation.