LATAM Airlines A320 Engine Catches Fire Before Takeoff at Lima Airport

A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 caught fire while preparing for departure at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru, on Monday, prompting an emergency response and the precautionary evacuation of all passengers. No injuries were reported.

The aircraft, operating flight LA2302 from Lima to Piura, experienced what the airline described as an “unforeseen technical event” before takeoff. Large flames and thick black smoke were seen coming from the aircraft’s left engine area while it remained on the tarmac.

Airport emergency crews responded promptly and extinguished the fire. All passengers were safely disembarked as a precaution, with their safety remaining the airline’s top priority.

In a statement, LATAM Airlines said an unforeseen technical event had occurred before takeoff, leading to the preventive disembarkation of all passengers.

The aircraft involved has been identified as a 2013-built Airbus A320ceo, registered as CC-BFS. It is undergoing a technical inspection to determine the cause of the incident.

LATAM Airlines is assisting affected passengers and arranging alternative flights to help them continue their journeys.