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With the deterioration in the security situation in Nepal amid violent anti-government ‘GenZ’ protests, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed for commercial flight operations, leading to numerous flight cancellations, including those of Indian airlines.
Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India announced suspension of their flights to and from Kathmandu in view of the airport closure and the prevailing security situation in Nepal’s capital. According to flight tracking data, the airport closure appears to have taken effect around 2 PM. At the time, a few flights–including two of IndiGo and one of Air India–were awaiting clearance to land in Kathmandu, but were made to hold south of the city, before being denied the permission to land.
IndiGo and Air India said that they are closely monitoring the situation. According to reports in Nepal’s news media, army has been deployed to secure the Kathmandu airport, the main gateway into the Himalayan country.
“In view of the prevailing situation in #Kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations. Consequently, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now. If your travel is impacted, you may conveniently opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund by visiting our website,” IndiGo said in a travel advisory on social media platform X.
“We are closely monitoring the developments and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest. Customers are advised to keep checking our official channels for the latest advisories and updates. We look forward to the restoration of normal operations and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding,” IndiGo said.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said, “In view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu, the following flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218 and AI211/212 operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route have been cancelled today. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remain top priority.”
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.
India on Tuesday morning said that it is observing the developments in the neighbouring country and expressed hope that restraint will be exercised and all the issues will be addressed “through peaceful means and dialogue”. It also advised Indian nationals in Nepal “to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities”.
“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. This is the first statement on the situation from the Indian government.
“As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the MEA said in the wake of the violence and the police action on the protesters.
“We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” it said, in an advisory for Indians living and working in Nepal.
