Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu has suspended all flight operations until 12 noon on Wednesday, September 10, amid widespread unrest and security concerns in Nepal. Both domestic and international flights have been canceled, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and forcing airlines to reschedule or refund tickets.
The airport closure follows violent anti-government protests, including the so-called 'Gen Z' demonstrations, and fire incidents near key areas such as Koteshwar and Gothatar, which prompted authorities to temporarily halt all aviation activity. The Nepali Army has been deployed to secure the airport perimeter, ensuring safety amid deteriorating conditions.
Major airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have issued advisories, announcing suspension of Kathmandu-bound flights and offering waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for affected travelers. IndiGo extends these waivers for bookings made on or before September 9, valid through September 12. Passengers are encouraged to regularly check airlines’ official announcements for updates and alternate arrangements.
Authorities explain that the current crisis has disrupted traffic around the airport, preventing crew members from reaching the site and contributing further to the suspension of operations. Nepal’s Prime Minister called for an all-party meeting to discuss the political situation, as protests over social media bans and corruption allegations intensified, resulting in multiple casualties and civil unrest across Kathmandu.
Flight services at Tribhuvan International Airport are expected to resume after 12 pm on Wednesday, provided the security situation improves.