Nepal Protests: Kathmandu Airport Closed Amid Gen Z Agitation

Several flights from India bound for Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, faced major disruptions as the city’s main airport partially closed due to violent protests. Smoke from fires set by demonstrators made visibility poor, preventing planes from landing safely. This affected multiple flights, including Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India.

The Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal's main international gateway, was temporarily closed. Indian flights, including IndiGo 6E1153 (Delhi-Kathmandu) and 6E1157 (Mumbai-Kathmandu), were held in the air awaiting permission to land. Eventually, these flights were diverted to Lucknow airport in India.

Three Air India flights – AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, and AI217/218 – scheduled on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route were cancelled. IndiGo also issued an advisory confirming that all flights to and from Kathmandu were suspended for the time being. Airlines continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure passenger safety.

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The Spark: Social Media Ban Sparks Gen Z Protest

The unrest began on Monday when Nepal's government announced a ban on several popular social media platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The decision sparked outrage, especially among the younger generation, widely described as the “Gen Z” protest.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu to oppose the ban. What started as a demonstration over social media restrictions quickly escalated into violent clashes with police. Protesters broke through barbed wire barricades, forcing riot police to retreat and take cover inside the Parliament complex.

Videos shared on social media showed large crowds surrounding the Parliament building in New Baneshwor. Authorities declared a curfew in parts of Kathmandu as a safety measure, but it did little to stop the demonstrators.

Violence and Destruction

The protests turned deadly, with at least 19 people killed in clashes with security forces. As tensions rose, protesters set fire to the residences of several top political leaders, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Smoke could be seen rising from key government buildings, including the Parliament, creating alarming scenes across the capital.

Eyewitnesses reported protesters storming political offices, vandalizing properties, and clashing with law enforcement officers. The unrest intensified public fear, with schools closing on Tuesday as authorities tried to prevent further incidents.

The initial anger over the social media ban quickly evolved into broader grievances. Many demonstrators expressed frustration over alleged government corruption and mismanagement, further fueling the protests.

Political Fallout: PM Resigns

The mounting chaos and violent demonstrations pressured Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday. The resignation came a day after protesters set fire to parts of the government offices and continued to attack political leaders’ residences.

The resignation marked a historic moment in Nepalese politics, showing the influence of youth-led protests in shaping national decisions. The government’s swift reversal of the social media ban after Monday’s protests highlights the scale and intensity of the public’s anger.

Impact on Daily Life

The protests affected daily life in Kathmandu significantly. Schools were closed for safety reasons, and local authorities struggled to maintain law and order. Smoke from fires made air quality hazardous in certain areas, while curfews disrupted normal business and commuting.

Residents shared their concerns about safety on social media, showing images of streets filled with smoke and debris. Local businesses remained closed, and emergency services were stretched thin due to the widespread violence.

Air travel disruption also impacted travelers. Indian nationals and others flying into Kathmandu faced delays and cancellations. Many passengers had to make alternative arrangements, while airlines advised travelers to stay updated on flight schedules.

International Response and Safety Advisories

Foreign travelers and airlines were closely monitoring the situation. Aviation authorities in Nepal advised pilots to hold or divert flights to ensure safety due to limited visibility caused by smoke. Travel platforms like SkyScanner encouraged passengers to check the latest flight updates before making travel plans.

India closely monitored the situation, especially as several of its flights were affected. Airlines coordinated with authorities to ensure safe landings at alternative airports in India.

Gen Z and the Power of Social Media Protests

This protest demonstrates the rising power of Gen Z in Nepalese society. Social media, which the government tried to restrict, played a key role in mobilizing young people to take to the streets. The movement highlights how technology and activism intersect, especially among the younger generation, and the ability of citizens to demand accountability from their leaders.

Calm or Continued Unrest?

With the Prime Minister’s resignation and the lifting of the social media ban, authorities hope for a reduction in tensions. However, with widespread anger over corruption and government handling of policies, uncertainty remains.

Security forces continue to monitor Kathmandu closely to prevent further violence. Curfews and restrictions remain in place in sensitive areas to ensure public safety. Citizens are advised to follow local advisories and avoid areas of unrest.

Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, faced unprecedented disruption due to youth-led protests over a social media ban. Violent demonstrations killed at least 19 people, caused widespread property damage, led to the Prime Minister’s resignation, and forced the partial closure of the city’s main airport, affecting international flights. The unrest, led by the Gen Z generation, highlighted public frustration over government decisions and alleged corruption. Daily life, schools, and businesses were disrupted as authorities struggled to control the situation. The social media ban was quickly lifted, and the government faces the challenge of restoring calm and addressing the public’s grievances.