Nepal Unrest Leads to Flight Cancellations by Indian Airlines to Kathmandu

Airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have cancelled flights to Kathmandu due to the temporary closure of the airport amid significant protests in Nepal. On Tuesday, Nepal Airlines also cancelled its Delhi-Kathmandu flight. Air India and SpiceJet have extended cancellations to Wednesday. IndiGo announced that flights to and from Kathmandu are suspended until noon on September 10 due to the current circumstances.

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Flight Cancellations and Diversions

A source revealed that an Air India flight returned to Delhi after smoke was detected at Kathmandu airport during its final approach. Another Air India flight bound for Kathmandu was diverted to Lucknow before returning to Delhi. Air India stated that flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218, and AI211/212 on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route were cancelled on Tuesday. The airline is monitoring the situation closely.

IndiGo operates one daily flight between Delhi and Kathmandu, while Air India has six flights a day on this route. IndiGo confirmed on X that all flights are suspended due to the airport's closure in Kathmandu. The airline is coordinating with local authorities to resume operations as soon as possible.

Waivers and Passenger Assistance

Air India Express decided to cancel its Bengaluru-Kathmandu flight on Wednesday. Air India announced a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges for passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Kathmandu until September 11, applicable for tickets issued by September 9. IndiGo is offering similar waivers for travel until September 12 for bookings made on or before September 9.

The Indian government advised its citizens to postpone travel to Nepal until the situation improves. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu remains closed amid ongoing protests. SpiceJet also announced on X that its flights to and from Kathmandu are cancelled for September 10 due to the current circumstances.

In summary, airlines are taking precautionary measures by cancelling flights and offering waivers amid the unrest in Nepal. The situation is being monitored closely, with efforts underway to resume normal operations when possible.

With inputs from PTI