Istanbul, May 13 - Qatar Airways flight QR243, on May 12, 2025, operating from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), encountered a serious in-flight emergency that tested the skill and composure of its crew. The flight, aboard an Airbus A320 (A7-AHG), departed Doha on schedule, carrying passengers bound for one of Turkey’s busiest aviation hubs. However, during the journey, the aircraft experienced severe vibrations in its number two engine, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone on board. This incident, while alarming, culminated in a successful resolution, with the aircraft landing safely in Istanbul after a series of critical maneuvers.
.gif)
The issue manifested mid-flight as the A320 cruised over the region. The severe vibrations in engine number two, located on the right side of the aircraft, signaled a potential mechanical failure that could not be ignored. Such vibrations often indicate problems ranging from internal engine damage to issues with auxiliary components, and in aviation, they demand swift decision-making. Adhering to strict safety protocols, the flight crew assessed the situation and determined that the affected engine needed to be shut down to prevent further risk. Shutting down an engine in flight is a rare and serious procedure, but modern twin-engine aircraft like the A320 are designed to operate safely on a single engine, provided pilots follow established guidelines.
To manage the situation, the crew declared an emergency, alerting air traffic control at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and nearby facilities. This declaration prioritized QR243 for landing and ensured that ground emergency services were on standby. The aircraft then entered a holding pattern near Istanbul, a standard procedure that allows pilots to burn off excess fuel, reducing the plane’s weight for a safer landing. This also gave the crew time to run through checklists, communicate with ground support, and prepare passengers for the emergency landing. The holding pattern, while potentially unnerving for those on board, is a critical step in managing such incidents, as it minimizes risks associated with landing a fully fueled aircraft. After completing the necessary preparations, the pilots executed a single-engine approach to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The A320, designed with robust redundancy systems, handled the landing without incident, touching down safely on the runway. Emergency response teams were on hand as a precaution, but no injuries or further complications were reported. The safe landing was a testament to the training and professionalism of the Qatar Airways crew, as well as the reliability of the Airbus A320 under duress.
Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded for inspection and maintenance to determine the cause of the engine vibrations. Qatar Airways, known for its stringent safety standards, likely initiated a thorough investigation in coordination with aviation authorities and the engine manufacturer. The airline’s swift response and the crew’s adherence to protocol ensured that what could have been a catastrophic event ended with all passengers and crew safe. This incident, while rare, underscores the aviation industry’s commitment to safety through rigorous training, engineering, and operational procedures.