Turkish Airlines Flight Diverts to Kolkata After Mid-Air Engine Fire Alarm

KOLKATA, India — A Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Kathmandu to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) on Wednesday afternoon, February 4, 2026, following a technical emergency.

Incident Overview

The aircraft, operating as Flight TK727, departed Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with 236 passengers and 11 crew members on board. Shortly after takeoff—approximately four minutes into the flight—the cockpit received a critical warning indicating a potential fire in the right-hand engine.

Emergency Response

Following standard safety protocols, the flight crew immediately shut down the affected engine and issued a "PAN-PAN" call. This international signal indicates a situation that is urgent but does not pose an immediate danger to the aircraft's flight capability, distinguishing it from a "Mayday" call.

The pilots successfully diverted the Airbus to Kolkata, landing safely at 14:49 local time. Airport authorities had already initiated a full emergency ground response, with fire brigades and medical teams stationed along the runway.

Current Status and Investigation

All passengers and crew were evacuated safely without any reported injuries. Technical teams from the Indian and Nepalese aviation authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine whether the alarm was caused by an actual fire or a sensor malfunction.

The aircraft remains grounded in Kolkata for a thorough inspection to rule out systemic engine failures. Turkish Airlines is currently working on providing alternative travel arrangements for the stranded passengers.

???? MySkyHelp Note: Passenger Rights

In situations involving technical failures or emergency landings, passengers may be entitled to Duty of Care from the airline. This includes:

• Meals and refreshments during the delay.

• Hotel accommodation and transport if an overnight stay is required.

• Communication (two phone calls or emails).

While emergency landings for safety reasons are often classified as "extraordinary circumstances," passengers should always document the incident and keep all receipts for unexpected expenses.