Due to the recent violent protests in Nepal, many Indians were stranded in Kathmandu as the Tribhuvan International Airport was shut down. The airport has now reopened, allowing airlines to resume flights. To help stranded Indian passengers return home safely, Air India and IndiGo are operating additional special flights from Delhi to Kathmandu.
Airport Closure and Reopening
The airport closure lasted for about a day, triggered by the mass Gen Z protests in Nepal. These protests led to violence and a curfew imposed by the Nepal Army to restore order. The unrest resulted in government buildings being set on fire and many injuries and deaths. Due to the closure, hundreds of Indians from various states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, West Bengal, and Bihar remained stuck in Nepal.
Indian Government’s Rescue Efforts
The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry quickly coordinated with Air India and IndiGo to organize extra rescue flights. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that additional flights started operating from Wednesday evening and will continue for several days. Scheduled flights are also resuming. The government advised airlines to keep airfares reasonable to avoid undue burden on stranded travelers.
Travel Advisory and Safety Measures
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong advisory urging its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes. Indians currently in Nepal are advised to stay indoors, avoid public gatherings, and follow the safety instructions issued by local authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
For assistance, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu provided emergency contact numbers available on WhatsApp:
- +977-980 860 2881
- +977-981 032 6134
Airlines’ Response
Air India announced special flights on September 10 and 11 to bring back stranded passengers. IndiGo also confirmed that flight operations have resumed, and passengers are advised to check the latest flight status before traveling. Air India Express has extended flexibility for guests with travel plans to or from Nepal, allowing free rescheduling or cancellations.
