• Source:JND
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Flight operations between New Delhi and Kathmandu came to a grinding halt on Tuesday after Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily shut down due to intensifying anti-government protests. Both Air India and IndiGo announced the suspension of services and issued advisories for affected passengers.

The airport closure comes amid unprecedented Gen Z-led demonstrations that have swept across Nepal in recent days. Authorities deployed hundreds of army personnel at the airport to prevent further escalation, while at least five Nepal Army helicopters were used to airlift ministers from their official residences to secure locations.

Airlines Respond To Crisis

Air India confirmed the cancellation of all its scheduled flights on the Delhi–Kathmandu route for the day. These included services AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218 and AI211/212.

“In view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu, these flights have been cancelled today. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority,” an airline spokesperson said.

IndiGo,also suspended operations, citing the closure of Kathmandu airport. The airline assured passengers of flexible options.

“All flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now. If your travel is impacted, you may conveniently opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund by visiting our website,” IndiGo said in a statement posted on X. The airline added that it is coordinating with local authorities and will resume services once conditions allow. Customers have been advised to keep checking official channels for the latest advisories.

Widespread Protests Escalate

The unrest in Nepal shows no signs of abating. On Tuesday, protesters vandalised the central office of the Nepali Congress in Sanepa, along with the residences of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha. Demonstrators also attacked the political office of the CPN-UML in Lalitpur’s Chyasal.

In one of the most dramatic developments, protesters targeted the private residence of Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel in Bohratar, Kathmandu. Local media, including The Himalayan Times, reported that parts of the property were set on fire.