Kathmandu Airport Shuts Down Due to Protests

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is being prepared for a complete shutdown, according to Nepal’s local media, quoting a senior official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

The decision follows ongoing fire incidents in Gothatar and surrounding areas, which have created serious risks to aviation safety. Flights already in the air will be allowed to land, but no new departures will be permitted until further notice.

The Nepal Army has been deployed to secure the airport, and preparations are underway to close the main gate and suspend all other activities within the premises.

Air India also confirmed the cancellation of all its Delhi–Kathmandu–Delhi services for today. A

spokesperson said flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218, and AI211/212 have been cancelled “in view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu.” The airline added it is closely monitoring developments and that “the safety of our passengers and crew remains the top priority.”

IndiGo has also cancelled its services to Kathmandu, reports PTI.

Meanwhile, Nepal Airlines Corporation, in a post on X.com, said that it has arranged seating on the next available flight to the same destination at no additional cost for

passengers who were unable to board today’s flights. Passengers are advised to contact the corporation’s office with their ticket and identification to avail of the arrangement.

आदरणीय ग्राहक महानुभावहरू,
​नेपाल वायुसेवा निगमले आजको उडानमा उपस्थित हुन नसकेका यात्रुहरूलाई कुनै पनि अतिरिक्त शुल्क बिना सोही गन्तव्यको अर्को उडानमा सिट ब्यवस्थापन गर्ने जानकारी गराएको छ। सो को लागि टिकट र परिचयपत्रसहित निगमको कार्यालयमा सम्पर्क गर्नुहुन अनुरोध छ ।

— Nepal Airlines???????? (@NepalAirlinesRA) September 9, 2025

The potential shutdown comes after two days of violent student-led protests across Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts. Demonstrators, under the banner of the Gen Z group, demanded the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and strict action against corrupt leaders.

Protesters torched the residences of Prime Minister Oli in

Bhaktapur, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in Kathmandu, and several other political leaders.

The protests were triggered after the government imposed a ban on 26 social media sites, including Facebook and X, citing registration issues. Authorities later restored access to the platforms in an attempt to ease public anger. The demonstrators also opposed police actions, which on Monday resulted in 19 deaths, including a 12-year-old student, and left more than 300 people injured.