Kathmandu Airport Reopens After Violent Protests

Nepal’s main international gateway, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, reopened for commercial operations on September 10 following a one-day closure triggered by violent nationwide protests. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said flights resumed after the airport’s security committee approved the move at 1530L (1100Z), advising passengers to check with airlines for updated schedules.

The airport had been closed on September 9 amid safety risks as protests swept the country, leaving at least 19 people dead and forcing the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Demonstrators, mostly young people dubbed the “Gen Z” group, torched government buildings while protesting corruption and a ban on social media platforms. The Nepali Army was deployed to secure the airport and surrounding areas.

Earlier on September 10, CAAN had extended the closure citing nationwide curfews, hazardous conditions in the Kathmandu Valley and smoke on the runway, The Himalayan Times reported. ADS-B data showed at least 18 airlines canceled flights over the two-day disruption, including Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, Air India, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and China Eastern.

IndiGo announced it was progressively restoring flights to Kathmandu after the reopening, while Buddha Air said it would resume operations early on September 11. Air India offered a one-time waiver of rescheduling charges for passengers traveling to and from Kathmandu through September 11. Buddha Air currently holds the largest market share at the airport with 27.6% of weekly seats.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com