Kathmandu, Sept. 10 — After remaining closed for two days due to anti-government protests, Nepal’s main international gateway, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), has reopened. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal announced on Wednesday that flight operations had resumed.
According to The Himalayan Times, the airport reopened after unrest in the Kathmandu Valley forced a shutdown of all air traffic.
Last week, Nepal’s ruling government banned 26 social media platforms after the companies failed to register within the required timeframe. The move triggered widespread protests on Monday, with thousands taking to the streets.
Clashes with security forces turned deadly, leaving at least 20 people dead and hundreds injured. In response, the government lifted the ban and imposed curfews across several regions.
The youth-led demonstrations, initially focused on reversing the ban and tackling corruption, quickly escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement. Protesters attacked key state institutions, including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the official residences of the Prime Minister and President.
Amid the turmoil, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, submitting his letter to President Ram Chandra Paudel. He stated that his decision was aimed at “easing the path toward a constitutional political solution.”
Later that evening, violence intensified, with arson and vandalism reported in areas such as Gothatar, raising concerns over airport security. Authorities subsequently shut down all airports nationwide and deployed troops to Tribhuvan International Airport as an extra precaution.
In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority said that both domestic and international flights suspended since September 9 would now resume, though no further details were given.
A notice from the airport confirmed that following a security committee meeting, approval was granted to restart full flight operations. Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updated schedules, ticketing, and baggage information.
