Kathmandu witnessed a major relief on Wednesday evening as Tribhuvan International Airport reopened for operations, following its closure on Tuesday due to unrest in Nepal. The shutdown had left several passengers stranded in the Nepalese capital, with multiple flights from India and other countries being cancelled.
According to official updates, Indian airlines will resume normal services to Kathmandu from Thursday, bringing much-needed relief to travellers who were stuck in Nepal. Both Air India and IndiGo have announced the resumption of scheduled flights, along with additional services to ensure that all stranded passengers are safely brought back to India.
Disruption of Services
The closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal’s only international airport and busiest aviation hub, created significant disruption for travellers. On Tuesday and Wednesday, airlines cancelled several flights to and from Kathmandu, leading to confusion and long waiting hours for passengers.
The Nepalese capital has been witnessing a wave of political and social unrest in recent days, which prompted airport authorities to halt operations as a precautionary measure. While the airport resumed services on Wednesday evening, many passengers had already faced delays and uncertainty.
Government Intervention
To address the situation, India’s Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu issued a statement confirming that Indian carriers would operate additional flights to Kathmandu. These flights are primarily aimed at bringing back Indian nationals and other stranded travellers.
The minister further instructed airlines to ensure that ticket prices remain within “reasonable levels” during this period. This move comes as several passengers reported unusually high fares on the limited available routes after the airport closure. By regulating airfare, the government aims to prevent exploitation of stranded travellers during emergencies.
Airlines Step In
Air India and IndiGo, two of India’s leading airlines, have stepped forward with special arrangements. Both carriers will resume their normal schedules from Thursday and have announced extra flights to accommodate stranded passengers.
Air India, known for its strong international network, confirmed that it is closely coordinating with airport authorities at Tribhuvan International Airport to ensure smooth flight operations. Similarly, IndiGo, which operates a large number of flights between Indian cities and Kathmandu, stated that passenger safety and timely travel remain its top priorities.
Importance of Tribhuvan International Airport
The reopening of Tribhuvan International Airport is of immense importance, not just for Nepal but also for neighbouring India and other countries. Being the only international gateway to Nepal, the airport handles millions of passengers every year, including tourists, business travellers, and Nepalese citizens working abroad.
Located in Kathmandu, the airport serves as a lifeline for Nepal’s connectivity with the rest of the world. Any disruption at Tribhuvan International Airport has a direct impact on regional travel, trade, and tourism. The recent closure highlighted the airport’s central role in maintaining the flow of passengers and goods across borders.
Impact on Tourism and Passengers
The temporary suspension of flights came as a setback for Nepal’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on international visitors. September marks the beginning of the autumn trekking season in Nepal, a time when thousands of tourists arrive to explore the Himalayas, including Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.
With flights cancelled for two days, many tourists were stranded in Kathmandu hotels, awaiting updates. Travel agencies and tour operators also expressed concerns over schedule disruptions, though the swift reopening of the airport is expected to minimize long-term impacts.
Passengers expressed relief after hearing that airlines are resuming operations. Many stranded travellers, including students, business professionals, and tourists, have already started booking tickets on the additional flights scheduled for Thursday and beyond.
Safety and Future Preparedness
The closure and reopening of Tribhuvan International Airport have once again brought attention to the importance of safety and crisis management in aviation. Authorities emphasized that passenger safety remains their top priority and that the temporary suspension of services was necessary to ensure secure operations.
Moving forward, experts believe that both Indian and Nepalese authorities will work together to improve preparedness for similar situations. Coordinated responses, timely communication, and regulated airfares are crucial in minimizing the impact of such disruptions.
Also read: Nepal Protest Social Media: Understanding the Crisis and Its Impact
Conclusion
The reopening of Tribhuvan International Airport has brought a sense of relief to thousands of travellers stuck in Kathmandu due to recent unrest. With Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo resuming normal services and operating extra flights, stranded passengers are finally finding a way back home.
As flight schedules return to normal from Thursday, the focus now shifts toward ensuring smooth operations, affordable fares, and enhanced safety. For Nepal, the functioning of Tribhuvan International Airport is vital, not only for domestic stability but also for maintaining its role as a key hub connecting South Asia to the world.
