BIA on standby as Turkish Airlines flight reports landing gear issue

By T.K.G. Kapila and Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The runway at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has been readied for an emergency landing after a Turkish Airlines passenger flight reported a landing gear malfunction, airport officials confirmed.

The Airbus A330, operating flight TK-733 to Istanbul, developed a technical issue with its landing gear shortly after taking off from Katunayake, carrying 202 passengers and 10 crew members.

Following the malfunction, the pilot conducted a precautionary fuel dump over the sea to reduce risks during landing. At the time of the report, the aircraft was flying at approximately 4,000 feet over the Chilaw area.

Authorities said the flight is expected to attempt an emergency landing at BIA around midnight. Fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency response teams have been deployed on the runway in readiness.