India Issues Travel Advisory for Nepal Amid Violent Protests, Airlines Suspend Kathmandu Flights
New Delhi, September 10, 2025 – The Indian government issued an urgent travel advisory on Tuesday, September 9, urging its citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal and exercise caution due to escalating anti-government protests that have turned deadly, claiming at least 19 lives. The unrest, led by Nepal’s Gen Z youth against corruption and a now-lifted social media ban, has led to the closure of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, prompting major Indian airlines—IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet—to suspend all flights to and from the Nepalese capital until further notice. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has provided emergency helplines for stranded citizens, while heightened security measures have been implemented along the India-Nepal border.
Escalation of Protests in Nepal
The protests erupted on September 4, 2025, following the Nepalese government’s decision to ban over two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X, citing their failure to register and submit to oversight. The move sparked outrage, particularly among Nepal’s youth, who rely heavily on these platforms for communication and activism. On Monday, September 8, clashes between protesters and police in Kathmandu intensified, with authorities opening fire, killing at least 19 people, including 16 in the capital, and injuring over 500. The demonstrations, initially against the social media ban, evolved into a broader anti-corruption movement, targeting Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government.
By Tuesday, the protests turned increasingly violent, with demonstrators torching government buildings, including the Parliament and Oli’s private residence in Balkot, as well as setting fires near the airport, reducing visibility and necessitating its closure. Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday morning, followed by President Ram Chandra Paudel, citing moral grounds amid the chaos. Despite the government lifting the social media ban late Monday, protests continued, with curfews imposed in Kathmandu and other cities. The Nepal Army was deployed to secure key installations, including Tribhuvan International Airport, India’s Response and Travel Advisory
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory on September 9, urging Indian nationals to avoid travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes and advising those in the country to adhere to local curfews and guidelines issued by Nepalese authorities. The advisory noted the imposition of curfews in Kathmandu and other cities and highlighted disruptions at the airport, which has stranded hundreds of passengers, including Indian tourists and workers. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu provided emergency contact numbers—+977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134—for assistance and urged citizens to register online for real-time advisories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the turmoil, posting on X, “The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace, and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us.” Modi, who returned from an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to discuss the crisis, urging dialogue and restraint to restore order. Airline Disruptions and Passenger Impact
The closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, effective from approximately 12:45 PM on September 9 due to smoke from protest-related fires, has severely disrupted air travel. IndiGo announced the suspension of all flights to and from Kathmandu until at least 12:00 PM on September 10, offering passengers waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for bookings made on or before September 9, valid until September 12. Air India cancelled four of its six daily Delhi-Kathmandu flights (AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218, and AI211/212), with one flight returning mid-air to Delhi after smoke was spotted during its final approach. SpiceJet also cancelled its Kathmandu services for September 10, providing helpline numbers for refunds and rebookings.
Flight tracking data revealed significant disruptions, with IndiGo flights 6E1153 (Delhi-Kathmandu) and 6E1157 (Mumbai-Kathmandu) diverted to Lucknow and Delhi, respectively, after circling Kathmandu. Nepal Airlines and international carriers like Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines also reported cancellations and diversions to Delhi and Dhaka. The closure affected over 250 daily flights, stranding hundreds of passengers, including Indian tourists visiting Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and trekkers bound for Mount Everest.
Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of immediate support. “We were asked to leave the airport premises despite violence barely a kilometer away,” a stranded Indian passenger told Hindustan Times. Airlines have prioritized passenger safety, with IndiGo stating, “Your safety and peace of mind remain our top priority,” and Air India offering one-time waivers on rescheduling charges for travel until September 11. Border Security and Regional Impact
The unrest prompted India to issue a preventive alert along its 1,751-km border with Nepal, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) intensified patrolling to prevent cross-border spillover, with markets along the border, such as in Maharajganj, appearing deserted. The protests have also disrupted cross-border movement, with the India-Nepal border seeing reduced activity as security measures tightened. Actress Manisha Koirala, a prominent Nepalese-Indian figure, condemned the crackdown, calling it a “black day” for Nepal, amplifying calls for peace.
Broader Context and Diplomatic Stance
Nepal’s protests, dubbed the “Gen Z agitation,” reflect growing discontent with governance, unemployment, and internet censorship, drawing comparisons to recent unrest in Bangladesh. India’s advisory underscores its close monitoring of the situation, with the MEA expressing hope for a resolution through “peaceful means and dialogue.” The Nepal Army has called for a peaceful resolution, with troops prepared to maintain order. The resignation of Oli and Paudel marks Nepal’s largest political upheaval in recent years, raising concerns about stability in the Himalayan nation, a key neighbor and trade partner for India.
The protests have drawn international attention, with posts on X reflecting mixed sentiments. Some users praised the youth for challenging corruption, while others expressed concern over the violence, with one post stating, “Nepal’s Gen Z is fighting for their future, but the cost is too high.” India’s cautious approach balances diplomatic restraint with the need to protect its citizens, with over 1.5 million Indian tourists visiting Nepal annually and a significant Indian diaspora in the country.
Looking Ahead
As of 11:34 AM IST on September 10, Kathmandu’s airport remains closed, with no confirmed timeline for resuming operations. Airlines are coordinating with local authorities, and passengers are advised to check official channels for updates. The Indian Embassy continues to assist citizens, with evacuation plans under consideration if the situation worsens. The MEA has reiterated its commitment to Nepal’s stability, with PM Modi appealing to “brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace.” As protests show no immediate signs of abating, India remains vigilant, balancing humanitarian concerns with strategic interests in the region.
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