Nepal protest forces Tribhuvan airport shutdown, Indian flights to Kathmandu face delays

Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) was shut down on Tuesday after violent protests spread across Kathmandu and other regions. Demonstrators vandalised the residence of President Ramchandra Paudel in Bohratar and attacked government and party offices, prompting authorities to suspend all air traffic through the capital’s main gateway.

Flight operations between India and Nepal were directly impacted. At 11:53 am, IndiGo’s Delhi–Kathmandu service was holding over Kathmandu airspace awaiting clearance, while at 11:57 am, the Bombay–Kathmandu flight was also circling before entry. Airlines have advised passengers of possible extended delays until the situation stabilises.

The closure of Kathmandu’s only international airport raised serious operational and safety concerns for the aviation sector, with carriers forced to reroute or delay flights. Airport authorities confirmed the suspension was precautionary as protests continued near key government installations.

Protests intensify in Kathmandu

The unrest, led by Gen Z demonstrators, was triggered by a now-lifted social media ban and fuelled by anger over alleged corruption. At least 19 protesters were killed and more than 200 injured on Monday. Protesters also set fire to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence and targeted homes of senior ministers.

Government response

Prime Minister Oli appealed for calm and announced an all-party meeting on Tuesday evening to find a “meaningful conclusion.” Despite assurances that security forces would show restraint, reports of gunfire and bullet injuries surfaced.