Dubai–Nepal flights cancelled as Gen Z protests shut Kathmandu airport
Violent demonstrations erupt over social media ban and corruption claims
DUBAI – Flights between the UAE and Nepal were thrown into disarray on Tuesday, after violent protests forced the closure of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, halting all domestic and international flights.
Among the affected routes, flydubai confirmed that Flight FZ 539 from Dubai International Airport to Kathmandu was diverted to Lucknow in India. Passengers received refreshments and were due to return to Dubai later the same day. Other flydubai services were also cancelled, including FZ 540 (Kathmandu to Dubai), as well as FZ 573/574 and FZ 575/576.
The airline assured passengers of accommodation and rebooking options on the next available flights. Travellers were advised to remain in contact with flydubai’s call centre, travel shops, or their agents, and to monitor flight status updates.
Gen Z protests in Nepal
The airport closure came as Nepal descended into political turmoil, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigning after two days of violent Gen Z-led protests. Demonstrators stormed Parliament, torched government buildings, and set fire to the homes of leading politicians, including Oli’s residence in Bhaktapur.
Revolution in Nepal?
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 9, 2025
Protesters set fire to the residence of Nepal’s Prime Minister, who also co-chairs the ruling Communist Party.
Government officials are being evacuated from Kathmandu’s international airport by military helicopters, India Today reports. https://t.co/NgIt3x3cnK pic.twitter.com/lrqKwDqnwE
Clashes turned deadly on Monday when police opened fire on crowds, leaving 25 people dead and dozens more wounded, according to hospital officials. Doctors at Kathmandu’s National Trauma Centre confirmed gunshot injuries to the head and chest among many victims.
Initially triggered by a controversial ban on social media platforms such as X, YouTube, and Facebook, the unrest has morphed into a wider anti-corruption movement. Placards reading “Stop corruption, not social media” and hashtags like #NepoKids spread across digital platforms, despite restrictions.
Leaders resign, chaos deepens
Oli’s resignation was the central demand of the protesters, but other political figures also stepped down amid mounting pressure. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak quit late on Monday, followed by the ministers of agriculture, health, and youth and sports.
The violence spread rapidly through Kathmandu, with party offices of both the ruling UML and opposition Nepali Congress vandalised and torched. The government complex at Singh Durbar was briefly overrun before security forces imposed curfews across the capital. Schools were closed and heavy troop deployments secured key areas, including around the shuttered airport.
What’s next for Nepal?
Although Oli has stepped down, Nepal’s crisis appears far from resolved. President Ram Chandra Poudel is expected to appoint an interim leader, with calls for early elections gaining momentum. Rights groups warned that removing Oli may not end the unrest unless systemic corruption is addressed.
Protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until “real change” is achieved. For now, the capital remains under curfew, air travel is paralysed, and travellers between the UAE and Nepal must wait until authorities deem it safe to reopen Kathmandu’s sole international gateway.