An Airbus A320 operated by LATAM Airlines Brasil did take part in a dramatic evacuation at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport after flames and thick smoke surrounded the aircraft. However, viral posts that say the “plane with passengers caught fire” or imply an in-flight emergency are missing context.
Social media posts
Multiple posts on Facebook share videos and headlines claiming that a “LATAM Airbus A320 caught fire” in Brazil. Some captions describe the aircraft catching fire on the runway while preparing for takeoff. Others claim the fire erupted during landing.
Fact Check
What actually happened at Guarulhos
According to the report, the incident occurred on the night of 4 December 2025, involving LATAM Airlines Brasil flight LA3418 from São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) to Porto Alegre (POA). The aircraft, an Airbus A320-214 registered PR-MHR, was parked at a gate during ground handling when a piece of baggage-loading equipment attached to the aircraft caught fire. (Source)
Coverage by People magazine, citing Brazilian outlet Estadão, explains that a baggage conveyor connected to the aircraft ignited while the plane was at the stand preparing for departure. Flames from the burning equipment spread up around the fuselage, and thick smoke entered the cabin. The flight was carrying about 169 passengers at the time.
A BBC video report also describes how “equipment on the tarmac” at São Paulo’s airport caught fire, with the blaze rapidly surrounding the aircraft and leading to the evacuation of 169 passengers. The clip shows flames and dense smoke around the stationary jet, consistent with a ground-equipment fire at the gate rather than a fire originating from the aircraft itself during flight.
Smoke, flames and the passenger experience
According to People, smoke filled the aircraft cabin after a baggage conveyor caught fire. Video footage posted on X and other platforms shows dark smoke entering the cabin as passengers prepare to exit.
The New York Post reports that flames from the burning ground equipment spread near the fuselage and under the wing. Passengers evacuated using emergency slides and other exits. All 169 passengers on board escaped safely without injuries.
Aviation Safety Network describes the incident as a small fire in ground equipment used for loading cargo while the aircraft was parked at the gate. The evacuation took place at the gate, not during takeoff or landing, and no one was injured or killed.
What caused the fire: ground equipment, not the aircraft
Aviation specialists and emergency-response organizations agree that the fire started in ground-handling equipment, not in the aircraft itself. The Aviation Safety Network records this as a ground-equipment fire involving an Airbus A320-214 at São Paulo-Guarulhos, noting that cargo-loading equipment caught fire while servicing the aircraft.
The Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Working Group (ARFFWG), which tracks industry incidents, reports that “a LATAM Brasil Airbus A320 had to be evacuated… after a fire started in a baggage carousel vehicle that served the aircraft.” VisaHQ provides a similar account, explaining that a ground-service vehicle caught fire next to flight LA3418 while the plane was being prepared for departure, leading the captain to order an evacuation. Airport firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, and an investigation has been launched into the maintenance records of the third-party ground-handling company.
Rio Times, a Brazilian news outlet, reports that authorities are investigating a possible mechanical or electrical failure in the baggage-loading equipment, which is owned by a subcontractor rather than LATAM or Airbus. As of early December 2025, there is no evidence that any problem with the A320’s structure or onboard systems caused the fire.
LATAM’s official statement and safety outcome
According to ARFF’s report, LATAM confirms that a “small fire” began in ground equipment operated by a third-party company responsible for loading cargo for flight LA3418 at São Paulo-Guarulhos. The resulting smoke around the aircraft led crews to initiate safety protocols and evacuate passengers.
ARFFWG’s article adds that the baggage carousel vehicle’s fire prompted the deployment of emergency slides and a rapid evacuation, which was supported by airport emergency services. The organization notes that the aircraft required inspection after the incident but that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
According to these reports, LATAM stated that all passengers were evacuated, airport fire teams responded to the blaze, and affected customers were provided assistance and re-accommodation. The airline stated that it is cooperating with investigations into the subcontractor’s equipment.
Conclusion
The claim that a LATAM Airbus A320 “caught fire” with passengers aboard is missing context. While the aircraft was involved in a fire-related emergency evacuation at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport on December 4, 2025, the fire originated in ground-handling equipment, specifically a baggage conveyor or carousel vehicle, not in the aircraft itself. The plane was parked at the gate during pre-departure preparations when the equipment fire spread flames and smoke around the fuselage, prompting crew to evacuate all 169 passengers via emergency slides. No injuries were reported, and investigations point to a mechanical or electrical failure in third-party ground equipment rather than any fault with the A320.
Title:LATAM A320 Ground Equipment Fire at São Paulo Airport: What Really Happened
Fact Check By: Cielito WangResult:Missing Context
