New Delhi, September 11 (HS): As Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu reopened following days of shutdown amid Nepal’s political unrest, the Government of India and state administrations have stepped up evacuation and support measures for stranded passengers.
Air India operated a special flight (AI 221) from Delhi to Kathmandu on Wednesday night, departing around 8:30 p.m. and reaching Kathmandu later in the evening. Its return leg (AI 222) is scheduled past midnight to bring passengers back to Delhi. The special aircraft, with a capacity of 170 passengers, is part of India’s ongoing relief operations.
Air India confirmed that six regular flights from Delhi to Kathmandu, along with six return services, will operate on Thursday. Additionally, another special service has been scheduled, bringing the day’s total to 14 flights between the two capitals. IndiGo is also expected to add services as part of coordinated efforts.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in a post on social media platform X, said, “With the resumption of operations at Kathmandu Airport, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in coordination with Air India and IndiGo, has arranged additional flights this evening and in the coming days. Scheduled operations will resume tomorrow. Airlines have been instructed to keep fares reasonable and within standard levels for the convenience and safety of passengers.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued an advisory, urging Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until stability returns. “Indian citizens presently in Nepal are advised to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid venturing out, and adhere to advisories issued by local authorities and the Embassy of India in Kathmandu,” the MEA stated.
Maharashtra Tourists Evacuated
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government confirmed it is bringing back around 150 tourists from the state who were trapped in Nepal. According to officials, 82 are from Murbad in Thane district, 35 from Pune, and 15 from Beed.
The 15-member group from Beed, who had traveled to the Pashupatinath temple, has already reached Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and will continue their onward journey to Uttarakhand. Others are expected to begin returning from Thursday as regular flight operations resume.
“Coordination has been maintained with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe return of all stranded tourists,” said Bhalchandra Chavan, Director of the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). Helplines (+977-9808602881, +977-9810326134, and +91-8657112333) have been set up for affected travelers and their families.
Air India, in a post on X, said, “Air India is operating special flights today and tomorrow from Delhi to Kathmandu and back to help passengers who have been stranded due to the recent developments in Nepal. Our scheduled operations will also resume from tomorrow.…Passengers are requested to check the status of their flights here airindia.com/in/en/manage/f… before proceeding to the airport. For further assistance, please contact our 24×7 Call Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
