Amid the deteriorating situation in Nepal, air traffic at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu was partially halted on Tuesday, after heavy smoke from protest fires reduced visibility disrupting several incoming flights.
The unrest started as a result of an exploitative non-withdrawn government order imposing a ban on social media apps, which triggered violent clashes. The protest that has taken lives of 19 people and injured hundreds has been termed as “Gen-Z protest.”
According to aviation authority spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, aircraft approaching from the southern side were unable to land due to the thick smoke blanketing the airport’s airspace. Tracking data from flightradar24 showed multiple Indian planes circling above Nepal as they awaited clearance to land.
Among the affected flights were two IndiGo services – 6E1153 from Delhi and 6E1157 from Mumbai which hovered over Kathmandu before being rerouted to Lucknow. Officials noted that flight diversions and delays could continue if visibility issues persist.
Although the Nepalese government has withdrawn the controversial ban, the agitation reflects deep public anger, particularly among the country’s youth. Authorities are now focused on restoring calm while managing the immediate fallout on transportation and essential services.
