The Istanbul-to-Kathmandu flight ignited after sparks emerged from the aircraft’s right landing gear during landing, according to Gyanendra Bhul, a spokesman for Nepal’s civil aviation authority.

“All aboard are safe, the rescue part is over. We are now investigating the accident,” Bhul told AFP.The incident briefly disrupted operations at Nepal’s busiest international gateway, with the airport’s sole runway closed for nearly two hours before reopening later in the morning.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of damage to the aircraft or specify the model involved in the incident.The accident renewed scrutiny of aviation safety in Nepal, a mountainous nation known for difficult flying conditions, remote airstrips and rapidly changing weather patterns that have challenged pilots and airlines for decades.

Nepal’s aviation sector has faced repeated criticism following a series of fatal crashes in recent years. The European Union continues to blacklist all Nepalese airlines from operating within EU airspace over safety concerns.

In response to mounting international pressure, Nepalese authorities last year announced plans to upgrade aviation infrastructure, including installing improved radar systems and enhanced weather-monitoring equipment.

Monday’s accident also revived memories of a previous runway incident involving Turkish Airlines in Kathmandu. In 2015, a Turkish Airlines aircraft carrying 224 passengers skidded off the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport during landing.

No passengers were injured, but the disabled aircraft shut the airport for four days, triggering widespread international flight cancellations.

The airport operator confirmed on Saturday morning that all systems were fully restored, ensuring smooth operations at one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.

The disruption occurred due to a malfunction in the system responsible for generating flight plans, a core function that coordinates air traffic and scheduling.

The issue caused significant delays across both domestic and international flights, affecting thousands of passengers. However, the Airports Authority of India reported that the system was successfully restored by late Friday evening, allowing airlines to resume regular flight schedules.

Officials from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), operated by GMR Group, said their technical teams worked around the clock to resolve the problem.

The airport’s swift response and communication with airline partners helped minimize long-term disruptions. Passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines during the delay period, but operations have now stabilized completely.

Delhi airport, which handles more than 1,200 flight movements per day, is South Asia’s largest aviation hub and among the top 10 busiest airports globally.

Even minor technical issues can create ripple effects across the aviation network, but DIAL’s recovery efforts ensured that normal operations resumed faster than expected.

Industry analysts have praised the airport’s quick response as an example of effective crisis management in modern aviation.

The successful recovery reflects India’s growing capacity for high-tech infrastructure maintenance and the strong coordination between airlines, air traffic controllers, and ground staff.

A spokesperson from DIAL assured passengers that the airport’s internal systems are being reviewed to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

Additional technical audits and backup mechanisms are expected to be implemented to enhance resilience. “All flight operations are running smoothly now, and passengers can travel without any concerns,” the spokesperson said.

Passengers who experienced delays on Friday have reported that staff were proactive in providing updates, meal vouchers, and rebooking options.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara also confirmed that flight schedules were back on track by Saturday morning.

The brief disruption came at a time of increased travel demand ahead of the festive season, when airports across India experience higher passenger traffic.

Despite the glitch, Delhi airport maintained safety and order, preventing crowding or operational backlogs.

This incident also highlights the growing dependence of modern airports on advanced digital systems for air traffic management.

Aviation experts note that as India expands its air network and passenger capacity, the robustness of these systems will become increasingly vital.

Investments in technology, automation, and staff training are expected to continue as part of Delhi airport’s modernization plans.

In recent years, Delhi airport has achieved multiple milestones, including upgrades to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, expansion of cargo capacity, and new sustainability initiatives.

It also serves as a key transit point connecting major international destinations, making its operational stability crucial to India’s global aviation presence.

As of Saturday afternoon, all arrivals and departures were proceeding according to schedule. Flight tracking platforms showed normal traffic flow across all terminals, with no residual delays reported.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern aviation systems and the importance of real-time crisis management in maintaining passenger confidence.

With the glitch now resolved, Delhi airport officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient travel experiences for millions of passengers every month.