Right Engine Fire Warning Forces THY727 Kathmandu–Istanbul Flight to Divert, safely landed at Kolkota

KATHMANDU — A Turkish Airlines wide-body aircraft bound for Istanbul made an emergency diversion to Kolkata on Wednesday after a cockpit warning indicated a possible fire in the right engine shortly after departure from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), aviation officials confirmed.

The aircraft, operating Turkish Airlines flight THY727 from Kathmandu to Istanbul, encountered the technical emergency within minutes of takeoff, forcing the crew to shut down one engine and execute a precautionary landing in India.

According to TIA General Manager Tek Nath Sitaula, the aircraft departed Kathmandu at 1:28 p.m. and, about four minutes after takeoff, the captain reported a fire indication in the right engine.

“The captain informed air traffic control that there was a fire alert in the right engine shortly after departure,” Sitaula said. “The crew then maneuvered the aircraft westward, shut down the affected engine, and held for around 10 to 12 minutes before proceeding toward diversion.”

International reports and airport authorities in India confirmed that the aircraft diverted to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata, where it landed safely at 2:49 p.m. local time using the remaining operational engine.

The Airport Director at Kolkata said the captain notified air traffic control of a “possible fire in the right engine,” after which emergency protocols were activated on the ground. “The aircraft landed safely at Kolkata NSCBI Airport at 14:49 hours. The plane is currently at the airport, and a technical inspection is underway,” the official stated.

The aircraft involved is identified as an Airbus A330-303, a twin-engine long-haul wide-body jet commonly deployed on intercontinental routes.

Passenger figures reported in initial briefings varied. Indian airport authorities said there were 236 people on board, while TIA officials indicated the aircraft was carrying around 225 passengers. Turkish Airlines has yet to release a detailed passenger and crew manifest, but no injuries have been reported.

Aviation sources said the cockpit received a right engine fire warning, prompting the pilot to follow standard emergency procedures — shutting down the engine, isolating the system, and relying on the left engine to maintain controlled flight. Twin-engine aircraft such as the A330 are certified to fly safely on a single engine during emergencies.

After the engine shutdown, the crew assessed the situation and opted for Kolkata, a major international airport along the route, as the nearest suitable diversion point capable of handling a wide-body aircraft and providing full emergency response and maintenance support.

The aircraft will now undergo a comprehensive technical inspection, including examination of the affected engine, fire detection systems, and associated components. Engineers will also analyze flight data and cockpit recordings to determine whether the alert stemmed from an actual fire, overheating, sensor malfunction, or another mechanical issue.

Such incidents fall under serious engine-related in-flight abnormalities, and both airline safety teams and aviation regulators typically review them in detail. Depending on findings, the aircraft could remain grounded in Kolkata until repairs or component replacements are completed.

Tribhuvan International Airport officials said operations in Kathmandu were not disrupted by the incident, as the aircraft had already exited Nepalese airspace when the diversion decision was finalized.

The event underscores the importance of cockpit fire detection systems and crew training in handling in-flight engine emergencies. Aviation safety protocols require immediate action when fire warnings are triggered, as engine fires pose significant risk if not swiftly contained.

Passengers are expected to be accommodated through alternate arrangements or onward flights once Turkish Airlines completes coordination and safety checks.

Further updates are awaited from Turkish Airlines and aviation authorities as the technical investigation proceeds.