There was a serious scare at Antalya Airport today when a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 was evacuated at the same time smoke was sighted coming from its landing gear on landing, while the aircraft was still taxiing. The plane, which had just arrived from Istanbul, landed smoothly, but what came next was a harrowing few moments that triggered a speedy response involving an emergency medical team.
Swift Evacuation Ensures Passenger Safety
The plane was evacuated using emergency slides after rescue teams at the airport saw smoke and quickly recommended the evacuation as a precaution so passengers would not have to use emergency slides in case of a fire. There was quick coordination between the control tower and ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) units. “Our crews turned out on time, ” Ustun said, and followed up with images via X (the company formerly known as Twitter) of emergency responders hosing down landing gear with water.
Thank goodness and it’s great that all passengers and crew got off the plane safely and no one was injured.
TK2430 sefer sayılı İstanbul–Antalya uçuşunu gerçekleştiren TC-LKF tescilli Boeing 777 uçağımızın piste normal iniş yapması akabinde taksi yolunda iniş takımlarında duman görülmesi üzerine dumana müdahale eden itfaiye ekiplerinin (ARFF) tavsiyesi doğrultusunda tedbiren slide…
— Yahya ÜSTÜN (@yhyustun) July 29, 2025
Preliminary Cause Identified as Hydraulic Malfunction
The preliminary report indicates the smoke may have come from a defective hydraulic pipe, the airline said, however the aircraft is currently undergoing a comprehensive technical examination to verify the cause of the smoke.
Smoke appeared on the touchdown gear during the taxiing that was reported by the air traffic controller to the pilot’, says Enes Cakmak, General Director of Turkey’s State Airport Authority in a post on social media. Immediate response measures were executed.
While the incident resulted in a few short-lived disturbances, it is a clear demonstration of how effective emergency protocols and real-time ground-air communication can prevent a potentially serious situation. Passengers were later supported with alternative travel arrangements and accommodation where necessary.
