Kathmandu Airport Operations Disrupted Amid Protests; Maldivians Temporarily Stranded

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Nepal’s primary international gateway, remains under operational strain following widespread anti-government protests that erupted on 8 September.

The unrest, triggered by a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, has led to violent demonstrations, curfews, and the resignation of key government figures, including Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel.

Multiple airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended services to and from Kathmandu, citing safety concerns and temporary airport closures. Flights were halted from 14:00 on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Among those impacted were Maldivian students attempting to leave Nepal on Tuesday. They were temporarily stranded at Kathmandu Airport due to the suspension of boarding procedures. According to reports, the students contacted the Maldivian Embassy in Delhi and were confirmed to be safe. The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified that boarding had resumed and that it was closely monitoring the situation.

Nepal hosts a significant number of Maldivian medical students, making the unrest particularly concerning for families and officials back home.

The protests, led largely by youth activists, have resulted in at least 19 fatalities and over 500 injuries. Demonstrators have targeted government buildings and residences, demanding accountability and an end to systemic corruption.