Kathmandu’s skies have gone quiet on routes to the Gulf as escalating military tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran force major flight cancellations. Over a dozen flights connecting Nepal to key Middle Eastern hubs were scrubbed on Saturday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
The trigger? Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israeli targets and US military bases in the Gulf region following recent US-Israel attacks. Several countries in the area swiftly closed their airspace, grounding civilian aviation and rippling disruptions worldwide.
TIA authorities, operating under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), confirmed the suspension of 14 inbound and outbound flights by evening. Airlines like Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Flydubai, and Kuwait Airways bore the brunt, with Himalaya leading at six cancellations.
Chaos unfolded at the terminal as throngs of travelers, bags in tow, crowded counters for updates. Social media buzzed with frustration, but airlines moved quickly to communicate.
Himalaya Airlines posted: ‘Due to the current situation in Middle East airspace, all our flights to Dubai, Dammam, and Doha stand cancelled until further notice. Please check our official channels for updates.’
Nepal Airlines echoed the sentiment, axing RA 229/230 (Kathmandu-Dubai) and RA 239 (Kathmandu-Doha) for February 28 and March 1, with Dammam flights pending review.
Prior warnings from TIA had urged passengers to verify statuses before heading out, a precaution now proving prescient. Airport officials are coordinating with carriers to manage crowds and rescheduling, prioritizing passenger welfare amid the uncertainty.
As the conflict simmers, Nepal’s vital Gulf connections—key for migrant workers and trade—hang in limbo. Travelers are advised to monitor airline websites closely, with potential for prolonged disruptions if tensions persist.