(KATHMANDU) Nepal’s most severe political crisis in decades has shut down Kathmandu airport, stranded hundreds of travelers, and pushed the government into free fall after days of youth-led Gen Z protests turned deadly across the capital.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the country’s lone international gateway, closed for all commercial traffic around 2 PM local time on September 9, 2025, after violent clashes and fires near the perimeter. The Civil Aviation Authority halted departures and arrivals “until further notice” as the Nepal Army moved in to secure runways, terminals, and key access roads.
IndiGo and Air India suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu and issued advisories offering refunds and rebooking. Singapore Airlines also paused operations. Nepal Airlines said it would rebook passengers on the next available flights at no extra cost once the airport reopens.
Hundreds of passengers—among them at least 70 Indian-origin US citizens—were left in limbo, stuck in hotels or inside the terminal as security forces tightened curfews around key points of the city. The Nepal Tourism Board, working with the Tourist Police, set up free shuttle buses between the airport and major hotels and stationed staff at the arrivals area to guide stranded visitors.
At least 19 protesters are reported dead, including 16 in Kathmandu, with more than 300–500 people injured as police used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and in some areas live ammunition. Curfews have been ordered in parts of Kathmandu and nearby towns, with armored vehicles and troop patrols guarding government buildings. The Nepal Army has taken charge of airport security, moved politicians to secure sites, and sealed off approaches to the Federal Parliament.
The protests erupted after the government banned 26 major social media platforms on September 4, 2025, including Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, Signal, and Snapchat. Officials said the platforms failed to register under new rules from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. The ban followed viral posts that accused political elites and their families of corruption and nepotism.
While the ban was later lifted, the unrest did not fade. Instead, turnouts swelled, drawing tens of thousands of mostly young people into the streets under the banner of Gen Z, with rallying cries for clean government and fair representation.
Airport Closure and Airline Actions
The Kathmandu airport shutdown is all-encompassing. Some flights already airborne were permitted to land on September 9 before the full stop took effect, but all later operations were halted. Airlines advised passengers not to travel to the airport and to rely on official channels for guidance.
Actions by airlines and authorities:
– IndiGo and Air India published options for alternate flights or refunds through their websites.
– Nepal Airlines began collecting ticket and ID details from passengers for no-fee rebooking on future services.
– Singapore Airlines suspended Kathmandu flights pending a security review.
– The Civil Aviation Authority and airport management cited “unprecedented and serious” security concerns, with fires and clashes reported near airport roads and neighborhoods.
The Nepal Army’s deployment around TIA included:
– Clearing approach roads and reinforcing perimeter security
– Positioning troops near fuel storage and air traffic control facilities
– Preparing for protection against potential sabotage
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airport closures of this scale in a single-airport country like Nepal can ripple across regional aviation for weeks—affecting crew rotations, aircraft positioning, and insurance risk assessments.
For travelers trapped amid the unrest:
– The Nepal Tourism Board set up help desks at the arrivals hall and arranged free shuttles to major hotels.
– Tourist Police officers and volunteers circulated lists of safe lodging and embassy contact numbers.
– Airlines urged customers to avoid third-party agents who might charge extra fees and to keep evidence of travel disruptions for refunds or insurance claims.
Important traveler instructions:
– With curfews in effect, carry passports at all times and keep phones charged for identity checks.
– Avoid protest areas and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Security, Casualties, and Political Fallout
The Gen Z protests surged on September 8 as groups moved toward the Federal Parliament, sparking confrontations with riot police. Protesters targeted residences of the Prime Minister, President, and senior party leaders, and some party headquarters were set on fire.
Police escalated crowd control; reports of live ammunition use coincided with the sharp rise in fatalities. Human Rights Watch and other groups condemned lethal force and called for independent investigations and accountability for abuses.
By the afternoon of September 9, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation, citing the “extraordinary situation” and the public’s loss of trust. The political vacuum deepened uncertainty: major party offices were vandalized, leaders retreated to secure sites, and senior figures faced questions about who could form a new government capable of calming the streets.
The government had lifted the social media bans to ease tensions, yet the momentum of the protests held. Young organizers continued pressing for change, adapting quickly through offline networks and word of mouth. In neighborhoods hit by clashes, families barricaded doors at night and small shops rolled down shutters before curfew. Hospitals treated a steady flow of injured civilians, police, and bystanders.
Airport security became a priority as crowds gathered near routes used by government convoys. The Nepal Army coordinated closely with airport authorities to protect critical aviation infrastructure and prepare for possible humanitarian flights should conditions allow. For now, only emergency movements and military operations are permitted at the airfield.
Rights groups have called for independent investigations into police actions that led to deaths and severe injuries. Families who lost relatives seek answers and justice.
Guidance for Travelers and Immigrants
With Kathmandu airport closed and no reopening timeline announced, travelers should plan for extended delays and limited options. The best approach is to stay in regular contact with your airline, watch for embassy alerts, and keep proof of your bookings and cancellations.
Essential actions:
1. Keep your passport and a printed copy of your itinerary in a secure, easy-to-reach place.
2. Contact your embassy if you are a foreign national (for example, citizens of the United States 🇺🇸).
3. Watch airline websites and official channels for refund and rebooking instructions.
Practical steps while in Kathmandu:
– Follow all curfews; violating restrictions can lead to arrest or fines.
– Use the Nepal Tourism Board’s shuttle buses between the airport and major hotels.
– Check with the Tourist Police at the arrivals area for verified lodging and contact options.
– Keep phones charged, maintain a low profile near protests, and avoid photographing security movements.
– If you have medical needs, ask hotel staff to call ahead to clinics still open during curfew hours.
Airline-specific notes:
– IndiGo and Air India: offering refunds or rebooking via official websites.
– Nepal Airlines: rebooking at no extra cost on the next available flights after reopening.
– Singapore Airlines and others: monitoring conditions and updating schedules daily.
Travel insurance and documentation:
– VisaVerge.com reports policies vary on civil unrest—some exclude riots, others cover cancellations after confirmed suspension of service.
– Keep all emails from airlines, screenshots of flight status pages, and receipts for extra nights as evidence for claims.
– If your move abroad depends on a timely entry stamp, contact the receiving country’s consulate for a letter explaining the delay; many consular sections will accept such letters when reviewing late arrivals (policies vary).
Impact on Tourism, Business, and Students
For Nepali residents and businesses, the shutdown strikes at peak planning season for trekking, domestic tourism, and cross-border trade. Tour operators are canceling departures, and guides who rely on the autumn trekking window face weeks without income. Hoteliers in Thamel and Patan report high cancellations and requests for flexible stays.
Operational and economic effects:
– Crew rotations and aircraft parking will create logistical headaches and additional costs.
– Insurance costs for carriers flying to conflict-affected cities may rise.
– A slow restart could push ticket prices higher and limit seat availability.
– Businesses linked to tourism are cutting hours or closing temporarily; staff request advances to meet rent and basic needs.
Students and workers:
– Document disruptions: save boarding passes, airline emails, and curfew notices.
– Ask schools or employers to extend reporting dates; many universities accept late arrival when airports shut down for safety.
– If your visa has a fixed validity window, write to the issuing consulate—consular officers can sometimes note the closure in your file or advise on steps to keep your status valid.
Official Sources, Next Steps, and Safety Reminders
Officials say any decision to reopen TIA will follow security assessments. Until then, travelers and airlines should rely on official notices. The Civil Aviation Authority is the primary source for operational updates and NOTAMs; check the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal website for the latest airport status: https://caanepal.gov.np.
Reopening may come in stages:
– Limited operations
– Special flights
– Daylight-only schedules
Safety and community responses:
– Community groups—many run by students—have set up first-aid posts and food distribution during curfews.
– Neighborhood leaders warn residents to keep away from main protest routes and avoid rumors spread through unverified channels.
Analysts say the Gen Z protests will likely shape political debates for years. Young people demanding clean government have shown strong organizing ability. Parties must build trust with a generation that expects transparency and swift action. Political negotiations are underway after the Prime Minister’s resignation, but no successor has been announced.
Until calm returns, remember:
– Check verified sources and embassy alerts.
– Use official shuttles and assistance desks.
– Keep essential documents handy.
– Be patient—airlines will restore flights once it is safe, with rebooking policies in place.
The Nepal unrest has redrawn travel plans and daily routines across Kathmandu. The path back depends on political compromise, credible reforms, and the guarded gates of a secure airfield.
This Article in a Nutshell
In early September 2025, Nepal experienced intense Gen Z-led protests after the government banned 26 social media platforms, prompting mass demonstrations that turned deadly in Kathmandu. On September 9, violent clashes and fires near perimeter roads forced Tribhuvan International Airport to halt all commercial operations; the Nepal Army secured runways and terminals. Major carriers suspended Kathmandu flights and offered refunds or rebooking. At least 19 protesters were reported dead and hundreds injured as security forces used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and in some cases live ammunition. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned amid the crisis, creating political uncertainty. The Nepal Tourism Board and Tourist Police organized shuttle services and assistance desks for stranded travelers. Authorities advise travelers to follow embassy guidance, keep passports handy, document disruptions for refunds or insurance, and monitor CAAN notices. Reopening the airport will depend on staged security assessments; recovery requires coordinated political and institutional responses, independent investigations into use of force, and measures to restore public trust.
