An Ariana Afghan Airlines passenger plane veered off the runway while landing at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday, prompting a temporary suspension of flight operations but causing no reported injuries, the airline said.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-400, lost directional control during its landing roll and skidded off the runway into soft ground, according to initial accounts. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
All passengers and crew members were evacuated safely, the airline said in a statement. Emergency slides were deployed, and airport medical teams reported no casualties.
Airport fire and rescue units responded within minutes to secure the site and prevent potential hazards. Images from the scene showed the aircraft resting off the runway in dirt, with visible damage that suggested possible strain to the landing gear, though the extent of structural or engine damage has not been confirmed.
The incident disrupted operations at Kabul International Airport, with flights temporarily suspended and some incoming aircraft diverted to other regional airports while crews worked to clear the runway and assess conditions.
In a statement, Ariana Afghan Airlines said the aircraft had come to a safe landing after technical control measures were applied and that all passengers had been transferred to the terminal. The airline added that technical teams had begun investigating the cause of the incident.
“Passenger safety is our top priority,” the airline said, adding that it would strengthen preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
