Nepal Crisis Deepens as Oli Resigns; Parliament Torched, Airports Shut

(Nepal) Nepal has plunged into its most serious political crisis in years after at least 22 people were killed and hundreds injured during Gen Z-led protests, prompting PM KP Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Demonstrators set the Parliament on fire and attacked homes of senior politicians as fires and clashes spread from the capital to several provinces. Authorities shut down all airports nationwide, including Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, and deployed the army under curfew, yet crowds continued to gather across major cities.

Authorities confirmed that 19 people were killed by police gunfire on Monday alone, with more than 300 injured, many with head and chest wounds. In a televised message, KP Sharma Oli said he was stepping down “to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.” Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari also resigned, citing moral responsibility for the bloodshed.

President Ram Chandra Poudel urged restraint and dialogue, while Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel called for peace and announced military mobilization from 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

Scope of the violence and damages

• Authorities reported that protesters set Parliament and several government buildings on fire.
• Homes targeted included those of President Poudel, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba.
• Fires and attacks spread to: Pokhara’s Gandaki provincial assembly, Siraha District Court, Rupandehi province, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and media offices including Kantipur and Kathmandu Post.

Aviation, curfew, and communications

• All airports in Nepal were shut down, with all flights suspended at least until midday Wednesday.
• The Nepalese Army was deployed to secure aviation facilities and government buildings.
• Indefinite curfews were imposed in Kathmandu, Birgunj, and Dang district, though many protesters defied orders.
• The government lifted its controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, restoring access to Facebook, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, and others after widespread anger over censorship.

Immediate impacts on travelers, foreign nationals, and families abroad

• Flights suspended nationwide: Travelers should contact their airlines and embassies for updates on rebooking and safety. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is the official source for airport status and notices to air carriers: https://caanepal.gov.np.
• Tourist vehicles allowed to move: Special permissions have been granted for tourist vehicles, which may help stranded visitors reach safe lodging or border crossings.
• Curfews and closures: With curfews in place and schools shut, expect checkpoints, limited public transport, and sudden route changes. Keep documents on hand, travel in daylight, and avoid protest areas.
• Communication restored: The lifting of the social media ban helps residents and visitors share real-time updates. Use secure messaging and confirm information with official sources before acting.
• Mountain regions calm for now: Climbing and trekking operators report relative calm in mountain regions, though airport closures create major logistical challenges for inbound and outbound travelers.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, prolonged airport closures can complicate travel plans for Nepali nationals and foreign visitors alike — including workers with tight reporting dates abroad, returning students, and tourists nearing visa expiration. Keeping records of canceled flights and government notices can help explain delays later. Travelers should also keep embassy contact details handy and check for updated travel advisories.

Political vacuum and risks for continued unrest

Oli’s resignation leaves a political vacuum, with no clear successor. The opposition Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre may try to form a new government, but party splits and the rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party could complicate coalition math in a parliament where 138 seats are needed for a majority.

Current seat counts include:
– Nepali Congress: 89
– CPN-UML: 78
– Maoist Centre: 32
– Rastriya Swatantra Party: 21
– Others: more than 10 seats combined

The protests began after the government banned 26 social media platforms, saying it was needed for registration and content control. Young Nepalis say deeper roots include years of anger over corruption, dynastic politics, lack of jobs, and the visible wealth of politicians’ children. A Transparency International report notes 84% of Nepalis see corruption as a major problem. Kathmandu’s independent mayor, Balendra Shah (“Balen”), has become a symbol of anti-elite sentiment among youth.

Student leaders state they will continue until “corrupt leaders are punished,” vowing: “We will not stop until they are punished.” President Poudel has urged protesters to seek dialogue and avoid more destruction. Army Chief Sigdel asked for unity and restraint while confirming military deployment to restore order and protect key sites.

The situation remains tense. Police gunfire on Monday caused the highest daily toll, and protests have spread beyond Kathmandu. With Parliament torched and multiple provincial sites attacked, officials fear further escalation if talks stall. The lifting of the social media ban may lower tensions around censorship, but broader grievances — jobs, fairness, and political accountability — remain unresolved.

Practical advice for families, residents, and travelers

• Check airline portals and the Civil Aviation Authority’s notices for flight resumption.
• Monitor embassy alerts for safety and consular services.
• Keep travel documents, health supplies, and cash ready in case of sudden disruptions.
• Use trusted local contacts to verify road conditions before setting out.
• Encourage family members to stay indoors during curfew, carry ID, and avoid large gatherings.
• If travel is essential, document movements, keep emergency numbers ready, and follow local news for route advisories.

For families in the diaspora worried about relatives in Nepal, direct contact should be easier now that platforms are back online. Advise loved ones to stay indoors during curfew, carry ID, and avoid large gatherings.

Travel and tourism operators say the immediate challenge is moving people safely while airports are closed. Mountain lodges continue to host trekkers, but itineraries are being revised. Once airports reopen, clearing the backlog could take days, with priority likely given to delayed international flights and aircraft repositioning.

What to watch in the coming days

• A formal coalition proposal in Parliament.
• Clear airport reopening notices from authorities.
• Whether protest leaders call for a pause or continue mobilization.

If a coalition proposal and airport reopening happen while protest leaders also call a pause, Nepal could see a fragile calm and a chance for political compromise. If the first two occur without the third, crowds may return to the streets.

Immediate priorities: restore safe movement (air and ground), open meaningful political talks, and address the root grievances of corruption and unemployment to avoid prolonged instability.

As of Tuesday night, the army is deployed, curfews are active, and all airports remain closed at least until midday Wednesday pending security assessments. Any extension will ripple through labor migration, student travel, tourism, and family visits in the weeks ahead. The path forward depends on whether talks begin quickly and whether authorities and youth leaders can agree on steps to address corruption and job creation without further violence.