IndiGo Resumes Flights to Kathmandu Amid Nepal Unrest, Announces Special Relief Operations

As protests rock Nepal and the death toll rises, IndiGo pledges daily services and special relief flights to bring stranded passengers home safely.

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New Delhi, September 11 – With Nepal gripped by violent protests and widespread unrest, IndiGo Airlines has announced the resumption of scheduled operations to Kathmandu, alongside special relief flights to support passengers stranded in the Himalayan nation.

In a detailed travel advisory, IndiGo confirmed that from September 11, it will operate four daily scheduled flights to and from Kathmandu. In addition, the airline plans to run two special relief flights on the same day, subject to final regulatory clearances.

The airline assured passengers that these relief services will be offered at special fares, with the sole aim of reuniting travelers with their families during these uncertain times.

“In these extraordinary times in Kathmandu, our priority is to reunite you with your loved ones. Starting September 11, IndiGo shall resume four daily scheduled flights to and from Kathmandu. In addition, subject to regulatory approvals, two special relief flights will operate the same day, dedicated to bringing our customers home safely,” IndiGo said in an official statement.

The statement further emphasized that safety and peace of mind remain central to its efforts:

“To facilitate ease of travel, these relief flights will be offered at special fares. Your safety and peace of mind remain at the heart of every step we take. Stay tuned to our official channels for further updates.”

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Growing Crisis in Nepal

The announcement comes at a time when Nepal is witnessing its deadliest political protests in recent years. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the death toll from the September 8 demonstrations led by Gen-Z activists has climbed to 30.

The protests, which escalated after the government imposed a ban on social media apps, have spiraled into a larger movement demanding an end to institutionalized corruption and favoritism in governance.

Nationwide, 1,033 people have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces. Among them, 713 have been discharged, while 55 have been referred to other facilities for advanced care.

Currently, 253 patients remain admitted across the country, with the Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu handling the largest caseload at 436 patients. The National Trauma Centre is treating 161 individuals, while Everest Hospital is caring for 109 patients. In total, 28 hospitals are engaged in providing medical aid.

The demonstrations took a darker turn when police reportedly opened fire on protesters with live rounds, followed by tear gas shelling as crowds attempted to storm the Parliament building. Violence intensified further when demonstrators torched the Parliament Building, the President’s office, and other government facilities.

The escalating turmoil has already forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign, deepening Nepal’s political crisis.

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Looking Ahead

As tensions in Nepal continue to mount, IndiGo’s decision to restore flights offers a critical lifeline to stranded travelers. For many passengers and their families, the airline’s move represents a small measure of certainty during a time of overwhelming unrest.