International flights from Nepal have been severely affected after several Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace following rising tensions between the United States and Iran. As a result, about 5,000 passengers per day have been stranded, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
Nearly 80 percent of international flights operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, which now appears unusually quiet. Instead of boarding flights, passengers are seen waiting near the help desk checking flight status notices.
9 Countries Close Airspace
Due to the conflict, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Bahrain have temporarily closed their airspace, forcing most flights from Nepal to those destinations to be canceled.
Flights are normally operated by Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Buddha Air (international route to Varanasi), and around 27 international airlines.
On average, Nepal handles 18 international flights daily, and the cancellations have left thousands unable to travel.
CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul said nearly 10,000 passengers were stranded over Saturday and Sunday alone. Airlines have been instructed to arrange proper management for affected travelers.
Several Flights Cancelled
According to CAAN, the following flights were canceled on Sunday:
- Jazeera Airways – 1 flight
- Kuwait Airways – 2 flights
- Air Arabia – 3 flights
- Flydubai – 2 flights
- Nepal Airlines – 1 flight
- Qatar Airways – 3 flights
- Himalaya Airlines – 2 flights
Only Turkish Airlines flights operated normally over the weekend.
Officials said there is no restriction in Nepal’s airspace, but other countries have imposed bans for security reasons due to the US–Iran conflict.
Food, Accommodation and Visa Support for Passengers
Authorities are coordinating with airlines to manage stranded passengers.
Passengers already at the airport are being placed in hotels, while those who have not arrived can reschedule or cancel their tickets. Coordination is also being done to provide food, accommodation, and visa facilitation for foreign travelers.
Two Qatar Airways Aircraft Stuck in Kathmandu
Before the conflict escalated, two aircraft of Qatar Airways landed at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday. They were scheduled to return to Doha, but could not depart after Qatar closed its airspace following the US attack on Iran.
Both aircraft remain parked at the airport and will depart once restrictions are lifted.
Officials confirmed that aircraft of Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines are not stranded abroad.
Waiting for Airspace Restrictions to Lift
Flights toward western destinations have been halted for two days, affecting thousands of travelers daily. Authorities warn that the situation could worsen if restrictions continue.
CAAN said airlines have been asked to prepare for additional flights after the ban is lifted, including the possibility of chartered flights to clear the backlog of passengers.
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