Flights Resume at Tribhuvan International Airport After Temporary Shutdown Amid Gen Z-Led Demonstrations
Kathmandu – Nepal’s aviation sector has taken a hopeful turn after a brief disruption. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has officially announced the resumption of flights at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which had been shut down temporarily due to the tense situation that unfolded during recent gen z-led demonstrations in Kathmandu.
According to a public notice issued by TIA’s Civil Aviation Office, flights that were suspended on September 9, 2025 have now been restored following a security committee meeting held on September 10, 2025. Officials stated that the decision was made to normalize airport operations and ensure uninterrupted travel for both domestic and international passengers.
Passengers traveling through TIA have been urged to stay in close contact with their respective airlines to confirm updated flight schedules. Authorities have also requested travelers to carry official tickets and valid identification documents while commuting to the airport.
The temporary closure came in the backdrop of large-scale protests, many of them led by Nepal’s Gen Z, who have been increasingly vocal about issues of governance, accountability, and public welfare. While the demonstrations had created disruptions across the capital, including at key transit points, observers note that the movement represents a growing determination among Nepal’s younger generation to push for systemic reforms through peaceful yet powerful civic engagement.
Airport officials acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers but highlighted that the swift reopening reflects Nepal’s resilience and its ability to maintain essential services even in the midst of national upheaval. “The safety of passengers and smooth functioning of air services remain our top priority,” the Civil Aviation Authority emphasized in its statement.
For many, the quick restoration of flights symbolizes a balance between the people’s right to protest and the nation’s need to keep daily life moving forward. Analysts have described this as a positive sign that Nepal is learning to accommodate the voices of its youth while safeguarding vital national infrastructure.
As flights take off once again from Tribhuvan International Airport, there is a growing sense of optimism that dialogue, reform, and civic responsibility will guide Nepal toward a more accountable and hopeful future. The Gen Z protests, though disruptive, have already left a strong message: the younger generation is ready to stand up for change, and institutions are beginning to take notice.
