Nepal ‘GenZ’ protests: As Kathmandu airport reopens, Air India, IndiGo operating special flights to bring back stranded passengers

The airport closure, which took effect on Tuesday afternoon, had forced airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, to suspend operations to and from the Kathmandu airport, which serves as the gateway to the Himalayan country.

Protesters celebrate at the Singha Durbar, the seat of Nepal's government's various ministries and offices after it was set on fire during a protest against social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. AP/PTI

With Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport reopening for commercial operations on Wednesday after being closed for over 24 hours, Air India and IndiGo are operating additional flights to bring back scores of stranded passengers. The airport was closed Tuesday afternoon as the security situation in Kathmandu and some other parts of Nepal deteriorated amid the mass ‘GenZ’ protests.

The airport closure, which took effect on Tuesday afternoon, had forced airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, to suspend operations to and from the Kathmandu airport, which serves as the gateway to the Himalayan country. This led to most flights between India and Nepal on Tuesday and Wednesday being cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers in the lurch in Nepal.

“Due to airport closure in Nepal, many home-bound passengers were unable to return from Kathmandu. With the opening of the airport operation in Kathmandu, @MoCA_GoI (Ministry of Civil Aviation), in coordination with Air India & IndiGo, has arranged additional flights this evening & over the next few days, alongside scheduled services resuming tomorrow,” Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu posted on social media platform X.

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“Airlines have been advised to keep their fares within reasonable levels. We remain committed to supporting our passengers while ensuring their safe travel during this time,” the minister added.

Tata group airline Air India said that it is operating special flights on Wednesday evening and Thursday from Delhi to Kathmandu and back to help passengers who have been stranded.

“Our scheduled operations will also resume from tomorrow. We thank the government and other agencies for the quick coordination to facilitate this in the interest of our passengers,” Air India said.

“Flight operations to and from #Kathmandu have now resumed following the reopening of the airport. As schedules are being progressively restored, customers are kindly advised to check their latest flight status on our website or app before proceeding to the airport. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding and remain committed to ensuring safe and smooth journeys,” IndiGo said in a travel advisory on X.

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At least 19 protesters, including 16 in Kathmandu, were killed and over 200 injured on Monday as the police opened fire on youths demonstrating against the Nepal Government’s decision to ban over two dozen social media platforms. While the ban was later lifted, the protests continued to intensify over Monday and Tuesday, turning into a mass anti-corruption agitation.

Amid the deteriorating situation, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday. The violent protests targetted a number of government buildings and even ministers and government functionaries, leading to widespread arson in Kathmandu. In view of the situation, Nepal’s aviation authorities on Tuesday decided to close the Kathmandu airport for commercial operations.

The decision to reopen the airport was taken on Wednesday in meeting of the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Committee.

Sukalp Sharma

Sukalp Sharma is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 13 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More

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