An Air India flight returning from Kathmandu had to turn back to Delhi after smoke was noticed at the airport during its final approach. Another Air India flight bound for Kathmandu from Delhi was diverted to Lucknow before returning to the national capital
The national carrier operates six flights daily between Delhi and Kathmandu. Representational pic
Air India and IndiGo are among the airlines that cancelled flights connecting Kathmandu on Tuesday, after the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal’s capital was temporarily closed due to massive anti-government protests, news agency PTI. Nepal Airlines also called off its Delhi-Kathmandu flight.
According to a PTI source, an Air India flight returning from Kathmandu had to turn back to Delhi after smoke was noticed at the airport during its final approach. Another Air India flight bound for Kathmandu from Delhi was diverted to Lucknow before returning to the national capital.
"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. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates," Air India said in a statement.
The national carrier operates six flights daily between Delhi and Kathmandu, while IndiGo runs one flight on the route.
"In view of the prevailing situation in #Kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations. Consequently, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now," IndiGo said in a post on X.
The airline added that it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest.
SpiceJet also announced on X that "due to the prevailing situation in Kathmandu, our flights To/From Kathmandu stand cancelled for 10th Sep'25."
Meanwhile, Air India Express has decided to cancel its Bengaluru-Kathmandu flight scheduled for Wednesday.
Air India further said that passengers with confirmed bookings to and from Kathmandu until Thursday, on tickets issued up to Tuesday, would be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges, PTI reported.
India has asked its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises and has issued emergency contact numbers for nationals currently in the country.
India issues emergency contact numbers for its nationals in Nepal
India on Tuesday issued emergency contact numbers for its nationals in Nepal, urging them to reach out in case of any emergency or need for assistance.
Nepal has plunged into chaos as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following massive anti-government protests. Demonstrators attacked private residences of top politicians, including President Ramchandra Paudel, and vandalised the parliament.
"All Indian nationals in Nepal are hereby requested to note the following telephone numbers from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for contact, in case they are facing any emergency situation or require assistance: 1. +977 – 980 860 2881 2. +977 – 981 032 6134," the Embassy of India in Nepal said in a post on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian citizens to defer travel to Nepal and cautioned those currently in the country to shelter in their current residences, avoid venturing onto the streets, and exercise due caution. It also advised nationals to follow safety advisories issued by local authorities as well as guidance from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
(With PTI inputs)
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