Kathmandu, Nepal - Thousands of international travellers have been left stranded at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu after a widespread shutdown of Middle Eastern airspace disrupted flights across the globe.
Escalating military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have prompted multiple Middle Eastern countries to close their skies to civilian aircraft, forcing airlines to cancel or suspend flights to and from the region. This has had a direct impact on several Nepal-bound and outbound services, particularly those connecting through Gulf hubs.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), at least 18 international flights scheduled from TIA were canceled on Saturday, affecting over 3,000 passengers alone. Airlines including Nepal Airlines, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Himalaya Airlines, and Kuwait Airways reported cancellations on routes to major Gulf destinations including Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam.
The ripple effect has been felt across major global aviation networks. Several Middle Eastern aviation hubs - among them Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, and Abu Dhabi International Airport - have halted operations, contributing to a wave of flight disruptions that extend beyond the region.
At the TIA terminal, passengers expressed frustration and uncertainty as departure boards flipped to show canceled and delayed flights. Many travellers reported long waits with little information about rescheduling or onward travel options. Government and airport officials have urged passengers to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest flight statuses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised Nepali citizens in the Middle East to stay informed about safety measures and to remain in touch with local authorities, as the volatile situation shows no clear sign of easing.
CAAN has stated that it is coordinating closely with airlines and relevant authorities in a bid to manage the influx of stranded passengers. Officials emphasized that passengers should verify flight conditions before travelling to the airport, as changes may occur at short notice.
As the Middle East conflict continues to affect air travel worldwide, Nepal’s primary international gateway remains a focal point of the broader aviation disruption - with passengers seeking clarity, assistance, and relief amid mounting uncertainty.
