Nepal's TIA to Resume Flights Amid Protests Shutdown Ends

Kathmandu, Sep 10 (PTI): Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Nepal has announced plans to resume operations on Wednesday evening, ending a 24-hour closure prompted by widespread anti-government protests. The shutdown, which began on Tuesday, left hundreds of foreign nationals stranded amid escalating tensions.

Initially, the airport authorities had declared an indefinite closure in response to the violence, which erupted across the nation. However, TIA management later confirmed that flight operations would restart at 6 pm Wednesday, following a security committee meeting earlier that day.

Passengers have been advised to reach out to their respective airlines for flight confirmations and updated schedules. This resumption includes all domestic and international flights, which had been suspended since September 9 due to escalating unrest.

The Himalayan Times reported that travelers should contact airlines to ensure their ticket and baggage arrangements are in order. The protests partially disrupted airport services on Tuesday, with agitators attempting to breach the airport premises.

In an effort to curb potential violence, the Nepal Army enforced nationwide restrictive orders and a curfew on Wednesday. This comes after intense demonstrations led to the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

Rinji Sherpa, TIA spokesperson, explained that security concerns, including visible smoke nearby and on the runway, prompted the initial closure. Airlines have been urging passengers to stay informed through their respective carriers.

The Nepal Army issued a statement urging stranded foreign nationals to contact nearby security posts for assistance. It further appealed to the hospitality sector, including hotels and tourism operators, to aid foreign nationals needing support by urging cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a tourist-friendly atmosphere amid the crisis.

The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) emphasized the importance of managing stranded tourists during this challenging time, coordinating with the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Army for necessary arrangements. HAN has provided a hotline number, 9851031495, for stranded tourists in need of accommodation.

Following the unrest on Tuesday night, the Nepal Army assumed control of the airport after protestors attempted to invade its premises. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines cancelled flights to Kathmandu from Delhi during this period.

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