Nepal unrest: Air India, IndiGo to operate extra flights to bring back stranded passengers
Nepal's sole international airport in Kathmandu was closed earlier this week over the escalation of violent anti-government protests in the country. The shutdown left hundreds of Indian nationals and other travellers stuck in the capital. The airport reopened on Wednesday, allowing resumption of services.
New Delhi: The government has arranged additional Air India and IndiGo flights to Kathmandu to bring back passengers stranded after Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport was closed amid violent unrest, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Naidu said, "With the opening of the airport operation in Kathmandu, @MoCA_GoI, in coordination with Air India & IndiGo, has arranged additional flights this evening & over the next few days, alongside scheduled services resuming tomorrow."
Airlines advised to keep fares at reasonable levels
He added that airlines have been advised to keep fares at "reasonable levels" to ensure passengers are not burdened.
Air India said it is operating special flights on Wednesday and Thursday between Delhi and Kathmandu to assist stranded travellers. IndiGo is also expected to add capacity over the next few days.
Hundreds of Indian nationals stuck in Nepal
Nepal's sole international airport in Kathmandu was closed earlier this week over the escalation of violent anti-government protests in the country. The shutdown left hundreds of Indian nationals and other travellers stuck in the capital. The airport reopened on Wednesday, allowing resumption of services.
The unrest in Nepal began over a ban on social media platforms but grew into a nationwide anti-corruption movement, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. At least 25 people have been killed in clashes in the past two days.