The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s only international air gateway, will remain closed until noon today due to the prevailing adverse situation in the country. The decision comes in the wake of recent unrest and heightened security concerns, affecting both domestic and international flight operations.
Buddha Air Suspends Flights Until Midday
Among the airlines affected, leading private carrier Buddha Air has announced a temporary suspension of its flight services until midday today. In an official statement, the airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured them of necessary compensation.
Buddha Air stated that customers who had booked tickets but were unable to travel due to the suspension would be provided with a full refund of the ticket fee. The airline further apologized for the disruption in service, citing safety as the primary reason for the decision.
Air Service Operators’ Association Urges Preparedness
Despite the temporary suspension of flights by some operators, the Air Service Operators’ Association (ASOAN) has expressed its commitment to serving the public during challenging times. In a press release, Association Chairperson Manoj Karki called upon all member companies to remain prepared to operate flights as soon as conditions improve.
Karki emphasized that air transport plays a vital role in ensuring connectivity, especially during times of crisis, and urged service providers to stand ready to meet public needs. He also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between airlines, airport authorities, and security agencies to ensure safe and efficient operations once services resume.
Condolences Over Loss of Lives During Protest
In addition to operational updates, the Association expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives during the protests on Monday. Offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the statement also extended wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the incidents.
The unrest, which has disrupted transportation networks across the country, has posed significant challenges for both passengers and service providers. With key roads blocked and heightened security measures in place, flight operations have become increasingly difficult to manage.
Passenger Disruption and Economic Impact
The temporary closure of TIA has left many passengers stranded, particularly those with urgent travel needs. Business travelers, tourists, and medical patients scheduled for flights today have been forced to delay their plans, adding to the mounting frustrations caused by the ongoing crisis.
Tourism operators have warned that prolonged disruptions could have a significant economic impact, especially on Nepal’s tourism sector, which heavily relies on timely and reliable air connectivity. Airlines, too, face financial strain due to cancellations, refunds, and operational delays.
Safety and Security as Top Priorities
Airport authorities have emphasized that passenger safety and operational security remain their top priorities. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has been closely monitoring the situation in coordination with security agencies to determine the earliest possible time for the safe resumption of services.
Authorities are expected to issue an update later today regarding whether flights will resume as planned at noon or remain suspended for longer. The decision will depend on ground security assessments and the overall stability of the situation in and around the airport premises.
Airlines Working to Resume Services
While Buddha Air has officially suspended flights until midday, other carriers are keeping a close watch on the situation. Some airlines have prepared contingency plans to operate select flights later today if conditions allow.
Domestic carriers have been in close contact with airport officials to ensure that once operations resume, priority will be given to flights serving remote and critical destinations, where air transport is often the only viable option.
International airlines operating from TIA have also been affected, with some carriers delaying or rerouting flights. Airlines are advising passengers to remain in touch with their respective service providers for the latest updates on flight schedules.
Call for Patience and Cooperation
The Air Service Operators’ Association and airport authorities have appealed to passengers for patience and cooperation during this challenging period. They have urged travelers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Authorities have also advised passengers to remain in contact with their airlines through official communication channels, as rumors and unverified reports on social media have been creating confusion.
Outlook for the Coming Days
While the closure is currently expected to last only until noon today, much depends on the evolving security situation. Industry insiders note that if stability is restored, normal flight operations could resume gradually, prioritizing essential routes and stranded passengers.
However, if unrest continues, extended disruptions may be unavoidable, prompting airlines and tourism operators to brace for further operational and financial challenges. For now, passengers, airlines, and airport authorities alike await the noon update with cautious optimism, hoping for a swift return to normalcy in Nepal’s aviation sector.
