By Youssef Yahya 
A flydubai Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine fire shortly after taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal. The incident was caused by a bird strike. The aircraft, operating under flight number FZ576, was en route to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.
Bird Strike and Engine Fire
Flight FZ576 faced a bird strike during takeoff, resulting in an engine fire. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing the fire in the engine, which was clearly visible. Following the incident, the plane returned to Kathmandu Airport for an inspection.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal spokesperson Jagannath Niroula and a flydubai representative both addressed the situation, emphasizing passenger and crew safety as the top priority. Flydubai’s spokesperson stated, “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our passengers’ travel schedule.”
Aircraft Inspection and Continued Flight
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 167 passengers, landed safely back in Kathmandu, where it underwent further inspection. After being cleared, the plane continued its journey to Dubai International Airport.
The Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Sudan Kirati, assured the public that the flight was safe and on its way to its destination, stating that there was no need for concern about the passengers’ well-being.
Successful Landing in Dubai
Flydubai flight FZ 576 eventually landed at Dubai International Airport after midnight local time. The Dubai Media Office shared a statement from the airline, confirming the safe landing and attributing the incident to a bird strike during takeoff from Kathmandu.
Flydubai’s Recent Achievements and Expansion
Despite the recent incident, flydubai has seen tremendous success. In early March, the airline announced the highest yearly profit in its 15-year history, serving over 10 million passengers and adding 16 new routes in 2022.
The airline continued to expand in 2023, adding four new destinations in Saudi Arabia, increasing its total to 16 in the Kingdom. Flydubai also established routes to Milan Bergamo and Mogadishu, operating from its hub at Dubai International Airport.
Although the engine fire on Flydubai’s Boeing 737-800 was an unexpected incident, the airline handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. With its impressive performance and expansion in recent years, flydubai remains a significant player in the aviation industry.
Have you flown with Flydubai recently? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Read Also: American Airlines Boeing 737 Suffers Engine Flameout After Hitting Flock of Geese
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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Mohammed Rizwan