Commercial Aviation
Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 Landing Gear Fire in Kathmandu May 2026
Turkish Airlines flight TK726 experienced a landing gear fire on May 11, 2026, at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport with safe evacuation of all onboard.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. Additional details are sourced from official aviation authority statements and public remarks.
On Monday, May 11, 2026, a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 experienced a minor fire in its landing gear upon arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to reporting by Reuters, the incident forced a temporary closure of the airport, but all individuals on board were safely evacuated without serious injury.
The flight, operating as TK726 from Istanbul, was carrying 277 passengers and 11 crew members when the emergency occurred at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Emergency responders quickly contained the situation, preventing a major disaster at Nepal’s primary international gateway.
We are closely monitoring the ongoing technical inspections and the cascading flight disruptions resulting from the runway closure. The swift action by airport fire crews ensured that the situation was neutralized rapidly, with only minor injuries reported during the emergency slide evacuation.
Incident Details and Evacuation
Emergency Response on the Runway
The incident unfolded at approximately 6:45 AM local time. As the Airbus A330-300 touched down on the runway, ground observers and airport officials noted thick grey smoke and visible flames emanating from the right rear landing gear and tyres. Airport security and fire services were immediately dispatched to intercept the aircraft.
SP Rajkumar Silawal of the Airport Security Office confirmed the rapid deployment of emergency services to the scene, noting that the runway was temporarily closed for technical inspection.
“Using the fire engine, it has been contained. All the passengers are safely evacuated,”
, SP Rajkumar Silawal, Airport Security Office
The evacuation process utilized the aircraft’s emergency deployment slides. While all 288 people on board escaped the aircraft safely, authorities noted that a few passengers sustained minor hand injuries during the rapid descent. The passenger manifest notably included four children and several United Nations officials traveling to the capital. Additionally, officials confirmed the aircraft’s cargo hold was transporting human remains alongside standard baggage.
Official Statements and Technical Assessments
Airline and Authority Perspectives
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) provided immediate updates on the aircraft’s status following the evacuation. CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul stated that the fire in the right rear tyre was successfully doused and the aircraft was subsequently towed to a taxiway, where it remains grounded for a thorough inspection.
Turkish Airlines also addressed the malfunction promptly. Yahya Ustun, the airline’s Senior Vice President of Communications, released a statement on the social media platform X. He noted that smoke was observed in the landing gear while taxiing and that technical inspections had been initiated immediately.
“Initial assessments indicate that the smoke was caused by a technical malfunction in a hydraulic pipe,”
, Yahya Ustun, Turkish Airlines SVP of Communications
Ustun further confirmed that the airline is organizing an additional flight to accommodate passengers who were scheduled for the return leg from Kathmandu to Istanbul.
Operational Impact and Historical Context
Flight Disruptions at Tribhuvan International
The emergency response necessitated the closure of TIA’s sole runway for approximately one hour. This shutdown caused significant cascading delays across the region’s airspace. Incoming flights from carriers such as Air India, Air Arabia, Drukair, flydubai, and Nepal Airlines were either placed in holding patterns in Kathmandu airspace or diverted to alternate airports until the runway was cleared.
AirPro News analysis
We note that Nepal’s mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather already make Tribhuvan International Airport a highly challenging environment for commercial aviation. This incident adds to a recent pattern of operational challenges for Turkish Airlines in the South Asian region. In February 2026, another Turkish Airlines flight departing Kathmandu suffered an engine fire, forcing an emergency landing in Kolkata, India.
Furthermore, aviation observers will recall a high-profile March 2015 incident where a Turkish Airlines jet skidded off the runway at TIA in dense fog. While there were no injuries in that event, it closed the airport for several days, and the stranded aircraft was eventually converted into an aviation museum. The swift containment of this latest landing gear fire highlights significantly improved emergency readiness and ground response at the airport, preventing a repeat of the prolonged 2015 operational shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the Turkish Airlines fire in Kathmandu occur?
The incident occurred on the morning of Monday, May 11, 2026, at approximately 6:45 AM local time.
Were there any casualties on Flight TK726?
No fatalities or serious injuries occurred. All 277 passengers and 11 crew members were safely evacuated. A few individuals sustained minor injuries, such as scraped hands, while using the emergency evacuation slides.
What caused the fire on the Airbus A330?
According to statements from Turkish Airlines, initial technical assessments suggest the smoke and fire were caused by a malfunction in a hydraulic pipe near the right rear landing gear.
Sources
- Reuters
- Official statements from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)
- Public remarks from Turkish Airlines Communications
Photo Credit: X
Commercial Aviation
BOC Aviation Leases Eight A321neo Jets to STARLUX Airlines
BOC Aviation signs lease for eight CFM LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft with STARLUX Airlines, deliveries from 2028.
BOC Aviation Limited has finalized a lease agreement with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines for eight Airbus A321neo aircraft, a transaction that will expand the carrier’s narrowbody fleet to support regional network growth.
Announced in a press release on July 1, 2026, the aircraft will be sourced directly from the Singapore-based lessor’s existing orderbook. Deliveries to STARLUX Airlines are scheduled to commence in 2028, providing the airline with additional capacity as it continues to scale its international operations.
Fleet Expansion and Technical Specifications
The eight leased narrowbody jets will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The Airbus A321neo selection aligns with STARLUX Airlines’ strategy to operate modern, fuel-efficient aircraft across its regional routes.
Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer at BOC Aviation, highlighted the operational benefits of the aircraft type for the growing Taiwanese carrier.
“The A321NEOs that will be delivered to STARLUX from 2028 are amongst the most fuel-efficient aircraft in production and should demonstrate their versatility in supporting the airline’s regional network growth,” Kent stated.
Strategic Growth for STARLUX and BOC Aviation
The lease agreement supports STARLUX Airlines as it broadens its route network. The carrier currently serves 32 destinations and is actively expanding its international reach. This includes preparations to launch its first European route, with service to Prague scheduled to begin on August 1, 2026.
For BOC Aviation, the transaction reinforces its leasing footprint in the Asia-Pacific market. As of March 31, 2026, the lessor reported a portfolio of 813 aircraft and engines, encompassing owned, managed, and on-order assets. The company’s global customer base includes 88 airlines across 46 countries and regions.
“We are delighted to be supporting Taiwan’s newest international airline with this landmark transaction for eight latest technology aircraft,” Kent added in the July 1 announcement.
AirPro News analysis
We view this transaction as a mutually beneficial alignment of BOC Aviation’s robust orderbook and STARLUX Airlines’ aggressive expansion timeline. By securing delivery slots for 2028 through a major lessor, STARLUX Airlines bypasses the extended backlog currently facing direct orders from Airbus SE. The choice of the Airbus A321neo equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines provides the carrier with the range and economics necessary to deepen its regional footprint in Asia while it simultaneously deploys widebody aircraft on new long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
Sources: BOC Aviation
Photo Credit: STARLUX Airlines
Commercial Aviation
World Star Aviation Delivers Second 737-400SF to Skyway Airlines
World Star Aviation completes a two-aircraft lease with Skyway Airlines, delivering a second 737-400SF freighter to the Philippine cargo carrier.
World Star Aviation (WSA) has finalized a two-aircraft lease agreement with Philippine cargo operator Skyway Airlines Inc. through the delivery of a second Boeing 737-400SF freighter.
Announced in a company press release on June 26, 2026, the handover increases Skyway’s total fleet to three aircraft. The addition is intended to support the carrier’s network expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
Completing the two-aircraft agreement
The delivery concludes an arrangement that began with a letter of intent signed in June 2025. World Star Aviation delivered the first Boeing 737-400SF of the pair on October 27, 2025. That initial handover marked the lessor’s first registered cargo-aircraft in the Philippines.
Skyway Airlines Inc. Chief Executive Officer José Peralta stated the new capacity will directly support regional operations.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome our third aircraft, the second one from WSA. This addition will further enhance Skyway’s network within the Asia-Pacific region. We are grateful to WSA for their professionalism and dedication in delivering this aircraft,” Peralta said.
Lessor strategy and regional growth
For World Star Aviation, the transaction reinforces its footprint in the Asia-Pacific cargo sector. The lessor has positioned itself to supply converted narrowbody freighters to growing regional operators.
André Abreu, Vice President Marketing & Sales at World Star Aviation, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.
“This second delivery reflects the strong relationship WSA has built with Skyway Airlines since its debut as a cargo airline. We are grateful for Skyway’s continued trust in our team and proud to support the airline’s growth with cost-effective freighter solutions,” Abreu said.
AirPro News analysis
We view the continued reliance on Boeing 737 Classic freighters, such as the 737-400SF, as a practical strategy for emerging cargo airlines in the Asia-Pacific market. While newer generation conversions like the Boeing 737-800BCF are becoming more prevalent, the 737-400SF offers a lower capital entry point for operators looking to scale capacity quickly. Skyway’s decision to triple its fleet over the past year indicates strong regional demand for dedicated narrowbody freight services.
Sources: World Star Aviation
Photo Credit: World Star Aviation
Commercial Aviation
Emirates SkyCargo Launches Boeing 777-300ERSF Operations
Emirates SkyCargo becomes the first combination carrier to operate the Boeing 777-300ERSF, flying Hong Kong to Dubai on June 30, 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo has commenced commercial operations with its first Boeing 777-300ERSF, completing an inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Dubai on June 30, 2026. The deployment makes the Dubai-based operator the first combination carrier to utilize the passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft, commonly known in the industry as the “Big Twin.”
In a press release issued on June 30, 2026, Emirates detailed the integration of the converted freighter, registered as A6-EBK, into its expanding logistics network. The aircraft introduces a 25 percent increase in cargo volume compared to the production Boeing 777-F, targeting the high-volume, low-density requirements of the global e-commerce sector.
Fleet expansion and capacity metrics
The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ERSF marks the sixth freighter inducted into the Emirates SkyCargo fleet since March 2026, following the delivery of five production Boeing 777-F aircraft. The converted airframe provides 811 cubic meters of cargo volume and a payload capacity of 100 tonnes.
The spatial design of the 777-300ERSF accommodates 47 total pallet positions, which is 10 more than the standard Boeing 777-F. This volumetric advantage aligns with shifting air freight demands, as e-commerce goods currently constitute approximately 20 percent of global air cargo tonnage.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, stated that the induction represents the next step in the expansion of the fleet and operational agility.
“We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world,” Abbas said.
The Big Twin conversion program
The Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program is a joint venture launched in 2019 by aircraft lessor AerCap and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The modification process engineers older passenger airframes into dedicated freighters, extending the operational lifecycle of the Boeing 777-300ER.
The specific aircraft deployed by Emirates, A6-EBK, was originally delivered to the airline as a passenger jet in 2006. The conversion program achieved regulatory clearance in September 2025, receiving its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI).
Emirates plans to continue its fleet expansion through the end of the year. The carrier expects Delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft and one more converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026. Three additional converted Boeing 777-ERSFs are scheduled to join the fleet in 2027.
Network growth and strategic positioning
The rapid induction of new capacity has facilitated a significant expansion of the Emirates SkyCargo route map. The carrier’s global freighter network has grown from just over 40 destinations in February 2026 to 62 current destinations.
Abbas noted that the combination of the growing Boeing 777-F fleet and the new converted freighters allows the airline to provide scalable capacity and connectivity through its Dubai hub.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of the Boeing 777-300ERSF by a major combination carrier like Emirates as a strong validation of the IAI and AerCap conversion program. While purpose-built freighters like the Boeing 777-F remain the backbone of heavy lift operations, the volumetric efficiency of the 777-300ERSF fills a specific and growing niche. With e-commerce driving demand for space over sheer weight, converting fully depreciated passenger airframes offers a capital-efficient method to capture market share. The aggressive delivery schedule through 2027 indicates Emirates is positioning itself to dominate the high-volume logistics corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Sources: Emirates
Photo Credit: Emirates
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