Nepal’s international airport shut down amid escalating Gen Z protests

Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu has suspended all domestic and international flights amid intensifying anti-government protests led by Gen Z demonstrators. The shutdown, confirmed earlier today, comes in response to a major security threat near the airport.

Operations have been completely halted, causing widespread disruption for travellers. Flight crews have struggled to reach the airport due to roadblocks and movement restrictions, forcing take-offs to be suspended. Prominent domestic carriers such as Buddha Air have also suspended operations, citing safety concerns, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Smoke was seen rising near the airport as authorities deployed tear gas to disperse large crowds of protesters. Officials claimed that security forces had been instructed to “exercise restraint” and confirmed that “no live ammunition was authorized.” However, reports from the ground indicate that gunfire erupted, resulting in several bullet injuries.

The airport remains fully closed, and the Nepali Army has been deployed to secure the area as unrest continues to escalate.

Nepal is currently gripped by a wave of Gen Z-led protests, sparked by the government’s imposition of a nationwide social media ban. Though the ban was lifted following mass backlash, protests have surged in intensity, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with what many view as an authoritarian and corrupt regime.

The government’s crackdown has been forceful. Security forces have reportedly used live ammunition to disperse crowds, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 200 injuries. The violence has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and international observers.

In the wake of the crisis, the Minister for Agriculture and the Home Minister have resigned, acknowledging government failures in handling the situation.

Symbolic acts of resistance have also intensified. Protesters have set fire to the homes of several high-ranking officials, including the Minister for Communication and the Deputy Prime Minister, underscoring growing public outrage.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for an all-party meeting to defuse the crisis and appealed for calm and dialogue. However, with continued protests, defiance of curfews, and a heavy security presence in Kathmandu, the situation remains highly volatile.

By Vafa Guliyeva