Flights between India and Nepal were thrown into chaos after violent protests in Kathmandu forced a partial shutdown of Nepal’s main airport. The demonstrations erupted over a now-reversed government order to ban popular social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).

As protests turned deadly — with at least 19 people killed — thick smoke from fires lit by demonstrators near the airport disrupted visibility. This led to the suspension of arrivals from the southern side of Tribhuvan International Airport, according to Nepalese aviation official Gyanendra Bhul, quoted by Reuters.

Several Indian flights were affected. Real-time tracking data from Flightradar24 showed aircraft circling over Nepal as they waited for clearance to land. Two IndiGo flights — 6E1153 from Delhi and 6E1157 from Mumbai — were eventually diverted to Lucknow.

Air India cancelled three of its Kathmandu-bound flights on Tuesday (AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, and AI217/218). A spokesperson for the airline said they’re keeping a close eye on the situation and will provide updates. IndiGo also issued an advisory saying all flights to and from Kathmandu have been suspended for now.

What’s Happening in Nepal?

The unrest started after the Nepali government announced a sudden ban on several major social media platforms, sparking outrage — especially among younger citizens. On Monday, thousands, mostly Gen Z, hit the streets of Kathmandu in what’s being described as a digital-age uprising.

The protest quickly turned violent. Demonstrators clashed with police, tore through barbed wire barricades, and even forced riot squads to retreat as they stormed the area around Parliament in New Baneshwor. Police tried to control the situation with tear gas and water cannons, but were overwhelmed and had to take shelter inside the Parliament building.

In the aftermath, parts of Kathmandu were placed under curfew. But that didn’t stop the anger from boiling over. On Tuesday, crowds returned — this time outraged by the deaths during the previous day’s protests. Some protesters set fire to the homes of senior political leaders, including that of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned on Tuesday.

Videos and photos on social media show dramatic scenes — fires raging near Parliament, thick plumes of smoke in the air, and angry crowds clashing with police. Schools in Kathmandu were shut down, and the city remains on high alert.

What began as a protest against a social media ban has now exploded into a much larger movement, fueled by anger over corruption, government control, and a deep generational divide.