Air India, IndiGo Arrange Special Flights Amid Nepal Unrest
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport resumed operations on September 10, 2025, following temporary closure due to mass protests led by Gen Z activists opposing a social media ban. The airport had been shut since September 9, when protesters set fires nearby and disrupted flights.
Special Flights Deployed
In response, Air India and IndiGo have initiated special return flights between Delhi and Kathmandu to evacuate stranded Indian passengers. Air India has deployed flights on September 10 and 11, and regular operations are scheduled to resume from September 11 onward. Airlines have been advised to maintain “reasonable” fare levels to aid returning travelers.
Flight Suspensions And Disruptions
Earlier on September 10, IndiGo had suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu until 6 PM due to the extended airport closure. Some Kathmandu-bound flights had also been diverted to Lucknow when the airport remained inaccessible.
Human Impact
The unrest has left a significant number of Indian citizens—pilgrims, tourists, and families—stranded in Kathmandu with limited access to essential services. The disruption intensified the need for swift evacuation and coordinated support from the government and airlines.
