Nepal Unrest: Indian Airlines Suspend Flights to Kathmandu Amid Protests

New Delhi / Kathmandu: Indian carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India have suspended flights to and from Kathmandu due to the closure of Tribhuvan International Airport. The airport remains shut until 6 pm Wednesday, following escalating anti-corruption protests in Nepal.

Passenger Options & Waivers

IndiGo: Flights suspended until 6 pm, with waivers on cancellations and rescheduling until September 12 for tickets booked before September 9.

SpiceJet: Cancelled all Kathmandu flights on September 10, notifying passengers via SMS and email.

Air India: Offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges for tickets issued up to September 9, valid for travel until September 11.

Political Crisis in Nepal

Nepal is facing widespread Gen Z-led protests against corruption, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Demonstrators stormed leaders’ homes and set fire to residences, including Oli’s and Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung’s.

India’s Travel Advisory

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian citizens to:

Defer non-essential travel to Nepal.

Those already in Nepal should stay indoors, avoid public gatherings, and follow local safety advisories.

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for assistance.

Trade & Travel Impact

The unrest has disrupted air connectivity between India and Nepal, affecting thousands of passengers. Airlines are working with authorities and will resume operations once security clearance is granted.