A Russian passenger plane found itself engulfed in flames shortly after landing at Antalya Airport, located on Turkey's southern coast, on the evening of November 24, 2024. The incident involved the Sukhoi Superjet 100, operated by Azimuth Airlines, which was carrying 95 individuals—89 passengers and six crew members—on board.
According to Turkey’s Transportation Ministry, the aircraft landed at approximately 9:34 PM local time after traveling from Sochi, Russia. Witnesses reported seeing flames erupting from the left engine moments after touchdown. Quick to respond, emergency services were at the scene, and within minutes, all aboard were safely evacuated using emergency slides. Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic evacuation, showing the burning aircraft from afar.
By 9:43 PM, just nine minutes after the initial emergency call was made, the evacuation was complete, and, thankfully, there were no casualties or serious injuries reported. The fire was extinguished shortly thereafter with the help of foam sprayed by Turkish firefighters, effectively cooling down the affected engine.
The incident has raised concerns, especially considering the plane had recently reported significant issues: just last month, the same aircraft had to conduct an emergency landing at Vnukovo Airport due to a hydraulic fluid leak, sparking worries about its operational reliability.
Authorities at Antalya Airport quickly moved to investigate the cause of the fire, affecting airport operations temporarily. Landings were suspended until 3 AM the following morning, with all scheduled incoming flights redirected to military runways. The Transportation Ministry detailed the response timeline, emphasizing how swiftly first responders reached the plane after the pilots alerted them to the flames.
This incident is part of larger issues facing the Russian aviation sector. Following the sanctions imposed during the country’s international conflicts, including the war against Ukraine, many key components necessary for aircraft maintenance have become difficult to source, impacting the reliability of domestic aircraft such as the Superjet.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100, introduced to the market over ten years ago, is one of Russia's flagship commercial models. It’s worth noting, though, the aircraft’s engine—the PowerJet SaM146—is not solely made within Russia but is produced as part of a collaboration between French company Safran and Russian partner NPO Saturn. This collaboration has faced serious limitations as Western sanctions have tightened. The situation has left some Russian airlines scrambling to keep their fleets airborne amid rising maintenance issues.
The Russian Federal Aviation Authority, known as Rosaviatsiya, has launched its own investigation, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes to prevent future incidents. This fire's outcome may have ripple effects on public confidence and operational protocols within the struggling Russian aviation sector.
Despite the challenges, Azimuth Airlines confirmed their commitment to passenger safety and continue operating their fleet of Superjets, which numbers around 20 aircraft. The airline stated its intent to thoroughly review its internal procedures and aircraft maintenance practices.
Incidents like this come at a time of turbulence for the industry and strike at the heart of the operational future of Russian aviation. With domestic production strained and international partnerships hindered, the fate of many airlines hangs precariously — and the long-term consequences could shape air travel for all Russian airlines.
Many passengers, for their part, expressed gratitude on social media for the quick response from the flight crew and emergency personnel. Video clips showed them calmly evacuate, emphasizing the effectiveness of the emergency protocols implemented during such dire scenarios. Observers noted, though, various safety complications could have arisen: remarks about some passengers not adhering closely to evacuation protocols by retrieving cabin luggage added to discussions surrounding air travel safety practices.
While this incident thankfully resulted without injury or fatalities, it highlights underlying structural issues within Russia's civil aviation framework. Frequent mechanical issues raise larger questions around safety standards and maintenance capabilities, especially amid harsh sanctions. How the authorities address these matters moving forward remains to be seen, but the fire at Antalya Airport certainly draws attention to the precarious state of aviation high above and the ground beneath. It serves as yet another reminder of the challenges and pressures faced by aviators today. With every takeoff and landing, ensuring passenger safety continues to be the most pressing priority for airlines worldwide.
