Air India, IndiGo suspend flights to & fro Nepal amid violent unrest

In the wake of widespread political unrest in Nepal, major Indian airlines have been forced to suspend all flight operations to Kathmandu. The decision to halt services comes after Tribhuvan International Airport was compelled to close down due to ongoing anti-government protests, which have led to the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli administration. The flight cancellations have left thousands of passengers' travel plans in disarray, prompting airlines to issue advisories and offer refunds.

IndiGo, India's largest carrier, was among the first to announce the suspension of its flights. In an official travel advisory on X, the airline stated that "in view of the prevailing situation in Kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations." It informed affected passengers that all flights to and from Kathmandu were suspended until further notice and that it was closely monitoring the situation to resume services as soon as it was safe to do so.

Similarly, Air India, the national carrier, has also cancelled its services. Four flights operating on the crucial Delhi-Kathmandu route—AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218, and AI211/212—have been cancelled. The airline issued a statement confirming that it was also "closely monitoring the situation" and promised to provide updates as the situation developed.

The decision to close the airport and suspend flights was triggered by more than just the political chaos on the ground. Reports of smoke being detected at Tribhuvan International Airport earlier in the day prompted airlines to prioritize safety and implement their emergency protocols. This immediate safety measure was crucial in a highly volatile situation where the threat of escalating violence remained high.

Nepal's flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, also followed suit by suspending its flights between Delhi and Kathmandu. This joint action by multiple airlines underscores the seriousness of the situation on the ground. The widespread anti-government demonstrations by youth activists have led to significant violence and a breakdown of law and order in the capital, making normal airport operations impossible.

Airlines have advised passengers with bookings to and from Kathmandu to keep a close watch on their official channels for the latest updates. IndiGo has offered affected passengers the option to either rebook an alternate flight or claim a full refund via its website, providing some relief to those whose travel plans have been disrupted. The future of flight operations to the Himalayan nation remains uncertain as the situation continues to unfold.