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Indian Airlines Issue Travel Advisories Amid Nepal Protests

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Travel advisories were issued by Indian airlines on Tuesday as a result of the partial closure of the Kathmandu airport in Nepal due to protests against the government. Thousands of people took to the streets in Nepal to protest over corruption and a government-issued ban on several social media platforms, including Facebook and X. The Kathmandu airport was partially shut down on Tuesday as smoke from fires set by protesters reduced visibility, leading Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet airlines to suspend or cancel flights to and from Kathmandu. The situation is being closely monitored, and airlines are coordinating with local authorities to resume operations as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • Air India suspended flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218, and AI211/212 operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route due to the current situation in Kathmandu.
  • IndiGo suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu, with impacted passengers able to opt for an alternative flight or claim a refund from the official IndiGo website.
  • Two IndiGo flights bound for Kathmandu (6E1153 from Delhi and 6E1157 from Mumbai) were redirected to Lucknow due to poor visibility at the Kathmandu airport.
  • SpiceJet canceled flights to and from Kathmandu, with information to be communicated to passengers via SMS/Email on their registered contact details.
  • Aviation authority official Gyanendra Bhul stated that planes arriving from the south side of the Kathmandu airport were stopped due to poor visibility.
  • Thousands of people protested in Nepal against corruption and a government-issued ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and X.
  • Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli resigned on Tuesday amid calls for his departure and protesters setting fire to his office.

Statistics:

  • The Kathmandu airport closure resulted in the suspension of multiple flights by Indian airlines.
  • Two flights bound for Kathmandu (6E1153 and 6E1157) were diverted to Lucknow.
  • Thousands of people took part in protests in Nepal against the government.
  • At least two major Indian airlines (Air India and IndiGo) issued travel advisories due to the situation in Kathmandu.

Sources:

  • Air India statement
  • IndiGo post on X
  • SpiceJet travel advisory
  • Reuters - airport closure due to poor visibility
  • Hindu Times - Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli resigns amid protests

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