Nepal in Crisis: Tribhuvan Airport Closed, Nationwide Flights Cancelled as Gen Z Youth Protest Social Media Ban and Demand PM Oli’s Resignation

Published on September 9, 2025

Nepal’s Tribhuvan Airport Closure and Gen Z Unrest in Kathmandu Amid Social Media Ban has become the focal point of a national crisis sweeping Nepal. As the social media ban ignited a youth‑led uprising, the resulting unrest forced the shutdown of Tribhuvan International Airport, disrupting air travel and underscoring the intersection of civil protest and tourism. The airport suspension amplified the urgency of the situation, drawing attention from travelers, airlines, and government agencies alike.

What began as a digital rights issue quickly expanded into a broader challenge to governance, involving curfews, ministerial departures, and the eventual resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. This article unpacks how the airport closure in Kathmandu reflects deeper generational discontent and considers what it means for Nepal’s travel sector in the weeks ahead.

Gen Z Protests Spark National Crisis

On September 8, 2025, Nepal’s government quietly enacted a shutdown of 26 major online platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Signal—for failing to register under newly imposed regulations by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The move triggered widespread outrage, particularly among Generation Z, many of whom rely on social media not just for recreation but for learning, economic activity, and activism.

Within days, youth-led demonstrations cascaded across Kathmandu and other cities, including Itahari, Pokhara, and Butwal. In Kathmandu’s New Baneshwar area, protesters breached restricted zones near the federal parliament, prompting the declaration of a curfew and the deployment of crowd-control measures such as tear gas and water cannons. The state’s response turned tragic: at least 19 demonstrators were killed and more than 200 injured, making it one of Nepal’s deadliest episodes of civil unrest in recent memory.

Airport Shutdown Disrupts Travel

As protests spread near Kathmandu’s hubs, including the Hilton Hotel and leaders’ residences, violence began engulfing critical infrastructure. In response to fires ignited by protesters in proximity to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), civil aviation authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), officially closing the airport for all operations on September 9, 2025. Several flights—including those operated by Indian carriers—were either canceled, diverted, or returned to origin, heightening regional concern for safety and diplomatic fallout.

Political Fallout and Leadership Shift

In an effort to pacify mounting dissent, the government reversed the social media ban early on September 9, restoring access to all 26 previously blocked platforms. However, this concession failed to quell unrest. By mid‑day, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation amidst public outrage and ongoing protests.

Simultaneously, several key ministers—including Health, Home, and Agriculture ministers—had already stepped down citing moral accountability for the fatalities during the crackdown. In addition, relief for victims was pledged, comprising compensation for families and free medical treatment for injured citizens, alongside plans for a 15‑day inquiry into the crisis’s causes .

Tourism and Travel Implications

Nepal’s tourism sector—still recovering from past crises—faces renewed anxiety. Tribhuvan International Airport is the country’s main gateway, and its abrupt closure halted flights, stranded travelers, and stranded tourism operators. While no official government travel advisory has yet been issued, tourism stakeholders are awaiting clarity on when normal airline operations will resume, including potential rerouting through secondary hubs like Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa) or Pokhara International Airport.

Previous government efforts to develop alternative airports, such as Gautam Buddha and Pokhara, aimed to relieve pressure on Kathmandu and strengthen regional tourism resilience. If Tribhuvan remains partially closed, diverted operations could amplify demand at these facilities—although they currently lack the infrastructure to fully absorb international traffic immediately.

Eyes on the Political Landscape

As the political landscape shifts, voices from civil society and opposition parties have urged the government to heed youth demands and avoid further suppression of expression. International rights groups and the UN called for a transparent investigation into the crackdown’s lethal outcome.

For tourists and businesses, the situation underscores the importance of flexible travel plans, insurance coverage, and monitoring official government updates. Local authorities have emphasized that airport reopening will depend on restoration of security and lifting of the NOTAM.