Protests in Nepal Shut Down Kathmandu Airport and Halt Flights as Travel Warnings Issued

Nepal’s escalating anti-government protests have brought air travel to a standstill, with Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu fully closed and major airlines suspending services. The shutdown has stranded passengers and thrown uncertainty over the country’s peak tourist season.

Authorities said the airport was closed after fires in parts of the Kathmandu Valley, including Gothatar, worsened aviation security conditions. Domestic and international flights remain halted, with the Nepali Army deployed across the capital to secure key sites.

Air India cancelled several services on the Delhi–Kathmandu route and offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges for passengers booked until September 11. One of its flights was forced to turn back after smoke was seen during the approach to Kathmandu airport.

"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," the airline said in a statement.

IndiGo confirmed the suspension of all flights to Nepal’s capital, writing on X: “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.” The airline added: “If your travel is impacted, you may conveniently opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund by visiting our website.”

SpiceJet also issued a notice on X: “Travel Advisory: Due to the prevailing situation in Kathmandu, our flights To/From Kathmandu stand cancelled for 10th September 2025.”

The unrest has intensified following the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. Protests, which began after a temporary social media ban, have spiralled into violent clashes that left at least 19 people dead and more than 500 injured. Demonstrators torched government buildings, including the parliament complex, prompting indefinite curfews in parts of the city.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal and advised those already there to remain indoors, avoid protest zones and follow local advisories. Emergency contact numbers for the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu have been shared with travellers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the violence as “heart-rending” and said the peace and stability of Nepal were of utmost importance, appealing for calm.

With flights grounded and no timeline for reopening, Nepal’s tourism sector faces a major blow just as the autumn trekking season was set to begin.