A Boeing 737 operated by Sepehran Airlines makes an emergency return in Iran (Img: X Video screenshot)
Tehran: A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency return to Mashhad in Iran after suffering a mechanical problem shortly after takeoff, triggering panic among passengers.
The aircraft was operating a flight from Mashhad to Kermanshah on Tuesday when one of its landing gear tyres reportedly burst soon after departure. The problem caused severe vibrations and reportedly damaged the aircraft’s engine, forcing the pilots to turn back and attempt an emergency landing.
The situation became more frightening as the aircraft approached Mashhad for the emergency landing. Video footage from inside the Boeing 737 showed parts of the cabin ceiling coming loose and falling onto passengers.
WATCH: Panic erupted on a Boeing 737 in Iran after the aircraft was forced to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff. Passengers screamed as the plane faced a frightening mid-air emergency before landing safely at Mashhad airport.#MashhadAirport #Boeing737 #IranWar pic.twitter.com/p4OqvKrwxN
— डाइनामाइट न्यूज़ हिंदी (@DNHindi) September 16, 2026
The aircraft shook violently during the incident, while passengers could be heard screaming in panic. Sections of the interior lining fell away, exposing parts of the aircraft’s internal structure.
Despite the alarming scenes inside the cabin, the aircraft landed safely and passengers and crew were evacuated.
No injuries were reported in the incident. Passengers were subsequently transferred to another flight to continue their journey to Kermanshah, according to reports citing Iranian officials and the airline.
Following the emergency landing, the runway at Mashhad Airport was temporarily closed while authorities assessed the situation. It was later reopened.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation has launched an investigation into the incident to determine what caused the aircraft’s mechanical failure and the subsequent damage inside the cabin.
The latest incident has also drawn attention because it follows another mishap involving a Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 in Mashhad.
On August 25, another aircraft operated by the airline reportedly veered off the runway after landing, with its nose landing gear collapsing. No injuries were reported in that incident either.
The latest emergency landing has renewed attention on aviation safety and aircraft maintenance as Iranian authorities investigate what went wrong during the flight.
