Indian airlines on Tuesday suspended all flights to and from Nepal due to the ongoing unrest in the country. Both IndiGo and Air India have issued travel advisories following the closure of Kathmandu’s
Tribhuvan International Airport.
IndiGo, in its statement, said, “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.”
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to either book alternate flights or claim a refund through IndiGo’s official website. The airline added that it is closely monitoring the developments and is in contact with local authorities to resume operations as soon as possible.
Earlier, two IndiGo flights bound for Kathmandu—6E1153 from Delhi and 6E1157 from Mumbai—had to divert to Lucknow after not receiving landing clearance.
Air India also cancelled all its flights between Delhi and Kathmandu. “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,” a spokesperson said.
The airline stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.
These decisions follow the complete shutdown of Kathmandu’s airport amid violent protests across Nepal. At least 19 people have been reported dead and hundreds injured as security forces used live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas to control demonstrations led by students and youth.
The unrest was sparked by a now-revoked government ban on social media, allegations of corruption, and poor economic conditions. Protesters stormed key government buildings, including the residence of President Ram Chandra Poudel, and vandalised the parliament.
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also resigned earlier. In his resignation letter to President Paudel, Oli cited the “extraordinary circumstances” facing the country and said he was stepping down to help pave the way for a “constitutional and political” resolution to the current crisis.
