A Russian-made passenger aircraft caught fire shortly after landing at Antalya Airport in southern Turkey on Sunday, prompting authorities to suspend operations temporarily, the Turkish transport ministry confirmed.
The incident involved a Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Azimuth Airlines, arriving from the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. The aircraft, carrying 89 passengers and six crew members, safely evacuated all on board. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the situation.
Footage shared by Airport Haber, a local aviation news outlet, depicted flames and thick smoke billowing from the plane’s left engine as fire crews worked to control the blaze. Subsequent videos released by the transport ministry showed the aircraft surrounded by fire extinguishing foam, with firefighters continuing to cool the overheated engine.
Crumbling Russia! Sanctions are in effect. A Sukhoi Superjet 100-95LR, registered RA-89085 and operated by Russia’s Azimuth Airlines, caught fire after landing at Antalya Airport, Turkey, after flying from Sochi, Russia.#France #Germany #UK #USA #Poland #Russia #Moscow #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/co6hEvOCoW
— Global Defense Corp (@GlobalDefCorp) November 25, 2024
Following the fire, Antalya Airport temporarily halted landings until 0300 local time (0000 GMT) to clear the runway. According to the airport’s website, the flight from Sochi had landed at 1825 GMT before the fire broke out.
The transport ministry assured the public that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
