Antalya, Turkey – A Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger plane operated by the Russian airline Azimut caught fire after landing at Antalya Airport late Saturday night. The incident, reportedly caused by wind shear during landing, prompted a swift emergency response, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
Key Details
Incident Time:
Fire alarm raised at 21:34 Moscow time.
Fire suppression efforts began by 21:36 Moscow time.
Evacuation completed within seven minutes, by 21:43 Moscow time.
Passengers and Crew:
All 89 passengers and 6 crew members were safely evacuated.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, confirmed by Russian and Turkish authorities.
Impact on Airport Operations:
Antalya Airport has been temporarily closed to incoming flights until 03:00 Moscow time while the damaged aircraft is removed.
More than 20 flights were redirected to other Turkish airports, including Izmir and Dalaman.
Flight Disruption:
The return flight from Antalya to Sochi has been delayed. Initially scheduled for 00:30 Moscow time, it is now expected at 07:20 Moscow time, according to online flight schedules.
Official Response:
The Russian embassy and consulate in Antalya are coordinating with local authorities to assist Russian nationals on board.
Cause and Investigation
Preliminary reports suggest that wind shear during landing caused the rough touchdown, leading to the fire. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
The rapid response from airport emergency teams and airline staff has been praised for averting what could have been a far more serious situation.
