India has announced that it will operate special flights to Nepal following the reopening of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which resumed operations on September 11, 2025. The move comes as part of efforts to restore connectivity between the two countries after flight services were disrupted due to the ongoing political turmoil and recent unrest in Nepal.

Resumption of services at Tribhuvan International Airport

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the only international airport in Nepal, had temporarily suspended flight operations amid widespread unrest and safety concerns. With the situation showing signs of stabilisation, the authorities have now reopened the airport, allowing both domestic and international carriers to resume scheduled operations.

The resumption of services at TIA is a major relief for travellers, airlines, and businesses dependent on smooth air connectivity between Nepal and the outside world. As the primary gateway to Nepal, TIA handles millions of passengers every year, including tourists, business travellers, and a large Indian diaspora.

India’s special flights initiative

The Government of India, recognising the needs of passengers stranded during the airport’s closure, has announced that special flights will be operated to Nepal. These flights are aimed at ensuring smooth repatriation of stranded passengers, facilitating urgent travel needs, and restoring connectivity between Indian cities and Kathmandu.

According to officials, flights will be operated from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Kathmandu, with additional routes being considered based on demand. The special flights will also help Indian citizens, Nepali nationals, and international travellers who had been unable to travel during the suspension period.

Airlines resume regular services

Alongside India’s announcement, several airlines have confirmed that regular flight services between India and Nepal will resume from September 11, 2025. Carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines are expected to gradually scale up operations in line with passenger demand and security guidelines.

For the tourism industry in Nepal, this announcement is particularly crucial. Nepal has long relied on tourism as a key sector of its economy, with India being one of the largest sources of tourists. The resumption of flights is expected to provide much-needed momentum to Nepal’s travel and hospitality sector, which has suffered setbacks due to recent unrest.

Political backdrop and regional stability

The reopening of Kathmandu airport comes at a time when Nepal is navigating through a period of political instability and social unrest. Recent Gen Z-led protests, which turned violent, led to the ousting of the Prime Minister and widespread disruptions across the country. Amid this turmoil, the closure of Nepal’s only international airport added to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens and international travellers.

By sending special flights, India has not only addressed the immediate travel needs of its citizens but also sent a strong signal of support for Nepal during its difficult times. This move is being viewed as a gesture of goodwill that reinforces the long-standing cultural, social, and economic ties between the two countries.

Impact on bilateral relations

India and Nepal share a close and historically rooted relationship, with open borders, people-to-people exchanges, and strong economic interdependence. Air connectivity plays a vital role in this partnership, as it facilitates business, tourism, and family connections.

By acting quickly to restore air links, India is positioning itself as a reliable partner in Nepal’s recovery efforts. Experts suggest that this move could strengthen bilateral goodwill and open avenues for deeper cooperation in infrastructure, aviation, and regional stability.

Voices from the ground

Passengers stranded in Kathmandu and Indian cities have welcomed the news of special flights. Social media has been filled with posts from travellers expressing relief that they can finally travel after days of uncertainty. Travel operators in both countries also see this as an opportunity to revive bookings and rebuild confidence among international tourists who had put their plans on hold.

Looking ahead

While the reopening of TIA and India’s special flights offer immediate relief, the long-term stability of Nepal’s aviation sector will depend on how quickly the country’s political situation stabilises. Airlines will be monitoring developments closely, balancing safety with the growing demand for travel.

For India, ensuring that connectivity with Nepal remains strong is both a strategic and humanitarian priority. With thousands of Indians living, working, or travelling in Nepal, maintaining air links is essential not only for bilateral relations but also for regional cooperation.

Conclusion

The announcement of special flights from India to Nepal marks a significant step in restoring normalcy after weeks of disruption. As airlines resume regular services, the move is expected to provide a major boost to travel, tourism, and economic exchanges between the two countries.

By stepping in with special flight operations, India has demonstrated its role as a key partner in supporting Nepal through its current challenges, further strengthening the deep and historic ties that bind the two nations.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Karbonsteel Engineering, Taurian MPS, L. T. Elevator, Galaxy Medicare, Airfloa Rail Technology, Dev Accelerator, Jay Ambe Supermarkets, Urban Company, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, .

The Current active IPO are Nilachal Carbo Metalicks, Krupalu Metals, Vashishtha Luxury Fashion, Sharvaya Metals, Vigor Plast India, Austere Systems.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.