The aircraft, operating as flight THY-727, had departed Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 1:29 pm local time when the crew detected a technical malfunction mid-air. The captain alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) about a suspected right-engine fire and requested an immediate diversion, prompting emergency protocols at Kolkata airport.
Airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft landed safely without further incident. Fire tenders and medical teams were placed on standby as a precaution, though no injuries were reported and no evacuation was required after landing.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the pilot initially informed the Kathmandu control tower about the malfunction and continued the flight on a single engine. While Kathmandu and Bhairahawa were available as alternate landing options, the crew opted to divert to Kolkata, citing operational safety considerations for a long-haul international flight.
“The aircraft reported a technical issue shortly after departure. The pilot coordinated with ATC and decided to divert to Kolkata rather than risk continuing the journey,” CAAN deputy spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul said, as quoted by local media.
Following the landing, aviation engineers conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft. Preliminary checks led authorities to declare the plane unfit for a long-haul flight, grounding it at Kolkata pending further technical assessment and repairs. Turkish Airlines is expected to make alternate arrangements for passengers, though the airline had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
Officials at Kolkata airport said standard emergency response procedures were followed, including runway clearance and deployment of fire and rescue services. Normal airport operations were not significantly affected.
Aviation experts noted that modern commercial aircraft are designed to operate safely on a single engine and that diversion decisions are guided by strict safety protocols. “The crew’s decision to divert demonstrates adherence to standard operating procedures, prioritising passenger safety over schedule,” an aviation safety analyst said.
The incident comes amid heightened global aviation vigilance, with airlines under increased scrutiny over technical reliability and in-flight safety management. Further investigation will determine the exact nature of the reported engine malfunction.
