A Russian-registered Sukhoi Superjet 100, operated by Azimuth Airlines, arrived at Antalya Airport on a flight from Sochi when an engine caught fire during the approach. The emergency prompted the rapid evacuation of 79 passengers and crew from the aircraft. Fire crews responded at once, bringing the blaze under control and allowing the safe removal of everyone on board. Investigators were preparing to review the sequence of events and ensure all passengers were accounted for as the incident was being assessed by Turkish authorities.
Turkish media reported that the fire began after landing in difficult weather, with strong winds and rain complicating the approach. The engine fire was localized quickly and extinguished within minutes, and officials confirmed that there were no injuries. Eyewitnesses described flames on the left engine during touchdown, with smoke rising from the aircraft briefly. The swift actions of the flight crew and ground responders prevented the spread of the fire and supported a calm, orderly evacuation of everyone on board. The incident left the terminal area briefly steered by safety personnel while crews secured the scene and checked for any remaining hazards.
An official from the airport civil aviation authority stated that the fire occurred during the landing phase and that standard safety protocols were activated immediately. Investigations typically involve reviewing flight data recorders, air traffic logs, and security footage to determine the cause. The airline has pledged full cooperation with investigators, providing documentation related to maintenance history and recent servicing to aid the inquiry, as authorities seek a clear understanding of what happened during the final moments of the flight.
Witnesses described visible flames from the left engine as the jet touched down, followed by a rapid evacuation of passengers under the supervision of cabin crew and ground safety teams. Moments after touchdown, passengers were guided toward exit points in a controlled flow, with staff offering reassurances and directing anyone requiring medical checks to designated areas. The atmosphere at the gate remained orderly as crews continued to monitor the aircraft for any residual heat or fuel leaks, ensuring no further risk to nearby operations.
The airport news portal clarified that the aircraft involved was a Sukhoi Superjet 100 operating from Sochi to Antalya, with Azimuth Airlines identified as the operator. The crew followed established evacuation procedures, and local authorities coordinated a safe flow of people away from the aircraft while medical staff stood by for any needed evaluations. Officials emphasized that the incident would be examined thoroughly to determine root causes and to reinforce safety measures for similar routes in the region.
Earlier reports noted that smoke on board originated from a tablet catching fire, a detail that added to early concerns but did not result in injuries. The episode underscores the importance of rapid response by Antalya’s firefighting services and the effectiveness of standard emergency protocols in domestic air travel. For travelers in Canada, the United States, and beyond, the incident serves as a reminder of the constant efforts to maintain high safety standards across air networks and the value of clear, efficient evacuations when emergencies arise.