Nepal's Airports Shut Down Amid Rising Unrest; Army Takes Control
All airports across Nepal, including the major Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, will remain closed until noon on Wednesday, as confirmed by airport officials. The suspension of flights began at 2 PM on Tuesday due to escalating unrest, leaving numerous passengers stranded both domestically and internationally, with all flight operations halted since the afternoon of September 9. To ensure safety, the Nepali Army has assumed control of security both inside and outside the airport.
Security Measures and Updates
Hansa Raj Pandey, the General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport, stated that authorities will assess the situation before making a decision on reopening the airport after Wednesday noon, as reported by local media. He emphasized that while the Nepali Army is in charge of security, they cannot fully assure the safety of aircraft and passengers given the current circumstances.
Impact on Airlines
Buddha Air, a prominent airline in Nepal, announced that its operations would be disrupted on Wednesday and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. The airline committed to providing regular updates regarding flight schedules and other relevant information. Additionally, Indian carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued travel advisories, confirming that their flights to and from Kathmandu are currently suspended.
Official Statements from Airlines