IndiGo Restores Kathmandu Route, Rolls Out Relief Flights During Nepal Unrest

Context: Nepal’s Political & Operational Turbulence

Nepal is currently witnessing widespread political unrest, particularly Gen-Z-led demonstrations triggered by a social media ban and steady concerns over corruption, transparency, and economic opportunity.

The protests caused a closure of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, flight cancellations, diversions, and disruptions for travellers. Indian carriers, including IndiGo and Air India, suspended operations temporarily.

IndiGo’s Response: Scheduled & Relief Flights

Resumption of Regular Flights

From September 11, 2025, IndiGo is reinstating four daily scheduled flights to and from Kathmandu.

Special Relief Flights for Stranded Passengers

In addition to the regular services, IndiGo is planning two special relief flights on the same date, subject to regulatory approvals. These relief flights are aimed at helping passengers who have been stranded due to airport closure or unrest.

Fares for relief flights are being set at special (lower or more accessible) rates to ease the travel burden on affected customers.

Coordination and Oversight

• The reopening of Kathmandu’s airport follows coordination between India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, IndiGo, and Air India.

• Authorities have urged airlines to maintain fares within reasonable levels to avoid price gouging during crises.

• The Ministry of External Affairs (India) has issued travel advisories: postponement of non-essential travel to Nepal, and safety guidance for those already in country.
  
  

Impacts for Stakeholders in Travel & AviationTravel Agents & Consolidators

• Surge in demand for re-bookings, relief-flight tickets, and assistance for stranded travellers

• Need to monitor schedule changes closely

• Possible negotiations for group fares to manage urgent returns

• Corporate Travel Planners

  • Duty of care is critical — keep travellers updated on advisories, cancellations, and safety measures

  • Build contingency plans for potential disruptions
    
    

• Airlines & Operations Teams

  • Maintain flexibility to increase capacity and adapt schedules quickly

  • Manage sudden demand surges while securing regulatory approvals for relief flights

  • Ensure transparent communication to reduce uncertainty for customers
    
    

• Policy & Regulatory Bodies

  • Provide oversight for fair pricing and operational safety

  • Ensure logistical support during relief operations

  • Coordinate with foreign governments to support stranded citizens

Key Considerations Moving Forward

• Safety & Communication: Clear, timely updates on flight status, airport operations, and security conditions are essential to rebuild traveller confidence.

• Price Sensitivity: In crises, customers are especially cost-conscious. Settling fares “within reasonable levels” is not just regulatory but reputational.

• Operational Resilience: Jet fuel, crew availability, ground handling — back-end capacity that may be strained during such periods must be reinforced.

• Travel Advisories & Insurance: Encourage travellers to purchase insurance and understand cancellation/refund policies. Agents should keep abreast of both home- and host-country advisories.
  
  

Conclusion & Takeaways

The resumption of IndiGo’s flights to Kathmandu — including special relief services — marks a vital step toward restoring air connectivity amid Nepal’s current unrest. For travel industry stakeholders, this development opens opportunities but also highlights the need for agility, robust planning, and ethical pricing.

For B2B travel agents and corporate planners, the emphasis is on ensuring customers are supported, informed, and able to navigate uncertainty. The relief flights not only address immediate hardship but also set a template for how airlines can responsively manage crises.

Stay Connected with the Travel Community. Follow our updates at blog.agentbazar.in and transform how you support your clients at every stage of travel.