Passengers aboard a Sukhoi Superjet 100 involved in a landing incident at Antalya Airport have initiated a class-action lawsuit against the travel operator Azimut. The flight, operating a Sochi to Antalya service, reportedly caught fire moments after an abrupt touchdown, a detail highlighted by coverage from Izvestia. The suit argues that actions or omissions by the operator and carrier contributed to dangerous conditions for travelers. Regulators and investigators are examining the incident alongside official statements from airport authorities and the airline, underscoring ongoing concerns about safety standards in mid‑market tour operations within the region. The case illustrates how a single emergency can prompt legal scrutiny and demands for greater transparency in how such events are handled, especially when passengers rely on tour operators for comprehensive travel arrangements. The legal move signals an insistence on accountability from both operators and service partners in aviation‑related travel in this part of the world.
One passenger described her experience, noting she was among the first to exit the aircraft after the emergency. She recalled that the escape ladder deployed and she moved quickly away from the burning fuselage. She praised the fire department for arriving promptly and credited their swift actions with preventing further harm. Her account aligns with other eyewitness testimonies observing smoke and intense heat shortly after the jet settled on the runway. The mood among evacuated individuals was tense but orderly, as crew members directed people toward safety while responders secured the scene. In reflecting on the incident, this passenger stressed the importance of fast evacuation procedures in the face of a flight emergency and highlighted how effective crew conduct can influence outcomes in critical moments.
The incident occurred on the evening of November 24. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 carried 89 people on board and was en route from Sochi to Antalya under challenging weather conditions. After landing in difficult conditions, the aircraft reportedly caught fire. Eyewitnesses described a hard impact at touchdown and observed fuel leaking from the plane. A Turkish airport spokesperson attributed the blaze to the engine, while local fire crews worked to contain the flames. Passengers were evacuated immediately, and no injuries were reported as a result of the emergency. The rapid response by firefighters and airport security allowed for a timely clearance of the runway and the safe dispersal of travelers via ground transport with minimal delay to the remainder of the operation.
Earlier reports noted that some luggage sustained damage in the blaze. The incident has raised questions about safety oversight and the responsibilities of tour operators and carriers in flight arrangements. Authorities are expected to review aircraft maintenance records, operator safety protocols, and the adequacy of ground handling during the emergency. For travelers, the episode serves as a reminder to monitor advisories from tour operators and airlines during disruptions. The case remains under investigation as regulators in Turkey and the involved parties scrutinize the circumstances that led to the fire and explore potential safety improvements for future flights.