Dammam Airports Company confirms that take-off and landing movements were not affected by the Nile Air plane accident

Dammam Airports Company (DACO) issued a statement regarding the fire of the wheel system of one of the Nile Air aircraft during takeoff from King Fahd International Airport, confirming that takeoff and landing traffic at the airport was not affected.

The Saudi government company "DACO" responsible for managing airports in the Eastern Province stated in a statement: "The management of King Fahd International Airport explained that the (Nile Air) plane was exposed to a fire in the wheel system during take-off, at 02:15 am on Thursday, July 18, 2024."

The statement added: "The airport administration confirmed that emergency teams immediately began dealing with the incident, and the fire was controlled, and the plane's 186 passengers were evacuated, in addition to the plane's 8 crew members, without any injuries."

The company confirmed that the specialized team is investigating and examining the details of the incident and determining its causes, stressing that there will be no impact on take-off and landing traffic at the airport.

For its part, Nile Air issued a clarification earlier today after a fire occurred in the wheel system of one of its aircraft during a flight between Cairo and Dammam.

Nile Air said in a statement that Nile Air flight number NIA 232, heading from Dammam to Cairo, was exposed to a fire in the wheel system during take-off on July 18. The flight crew cancelled the take-off and evacuated the plane’s passengers using the emergency slides successfully and without any injuries.

The company noted that it quickly provided the necessary care to the passengers and provided alternative flights and hotels for accommodation to ensure the comfort and safety of the passengers, noting that the competent air authorities were informed and a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident was launched.

The company confirmed in its statement that it is cooperating "fully with all concerned parties, and is committed to implementing the highest safety standards and implementing all procedures."