Nepal Gen-Z Protests: Air India, IndiGo cancel Kathmandu flights as unrest intensifies amid PM KP Oli’s resignation

Air India and IndiGo have suspended flight operations to Kathmandu on Tuesday amid violent Gen Z-led protests in Nepal, which have prompted curfews and a complete shutdown of Tribhuvan International Airport.

According to sources, Kathmandu (KTM) airport has been declared inoperative for the day. All scheduled flights to Nepal’s capital have been cancelled, while flights already airborne were diverted to Lucknow (LKO). These aircraft are returning to their points of origin after refueling.

IndiGo flights diverted

Two IndiGo flights bound for Kathmandu—6E1153 from Delhi and 6E1157 from Mumbai—were en route to Tribhuvan International Airport but did not receive clearance to land, forcing a diversion to Lucknow. After refuelling, both flights will return to their origin cities, as there are currently no operations to Kathmandu today.

Air India cancels entire schedule

Air India, meanwhile, announced the cancellation of all flights on the Delhi–Kathmandu–Delhi route for Tuesday. The affected services include AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218, and AI211/212.

“In view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu, the following flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218 and AI211/212 operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route have been cancelled today,” an Air India spokesperson said.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority,” the statement added.

Political turmoil in Nepal

The cancellations come against the backdrop of escalating protests in Nepal following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation on Tuesday. At least 19 protesters were killed and hundreds injured in clashes with police on Monday, ANI reported.

The unrest, largely led by Nepal’s youth, erupted after the government imposed a controversial social media blackout on September 4. Though the ban was lifted late Monday, demonstrators returned to the streets on Tuesday, accusing the government of corruption and demanding accountability for the fatalities.

Protesters stormed the Singha Durbar administrative complex in Kathmandu on Tuesday and vandalised political offices and leaders’ residences. Several government buildings and ruling party offices were set ablaze, as per an ANI report.

Authorities have imposed indefinite curfews in key areas of Kathmandu. The Nepali Army has been deployed to secure sensitive sites, including the closed Tribhuvan International Airport.