Nepal Gen Z Protest Hits Tourism: Hilton Hotel Charred, Kathmandu Airport Closed

The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu was left charred after being set on fire during the latest wave of anti-government protests in Nepal, where demonstrators also targeted parliament, government offices, and private residences of senior leaders. For travellers, the blaze is only one sign of how quickly the situation has deteriorated in the Himalayan nation.

Flights Cancelled, Airport Shut

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the country’s busiest hub, has been temporarily closed since Tuesday (September 9) after fires from nearby protests reduced visibility and raised security concerns. All domestic and international flights were suspended.

Indian carriers were among the worst hit.

• Air India cancelled multiple flights on the Delhi–Kathmandu route, with some aircraft forced to return mid-air.

• IndiGo diverted flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Lucknow before suspending all services until further notice.

• SpiceJet and Nepal Airlines also cancelled their scheduled operations.

Both Air India and IndiGo have announced waivers on rescheduling and cancellation charges for affected passengers until September 12. Travellers are advised to check airline advisories regularly as no clear date has been set for flight resumption.

Travel Advisories For Indians

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi has reiterated its warning for Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises. Those already in the country are urged to remain indoors, comply with curfews, and follow local authority guidelines.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has released emergency contacts for assistance:

• +977-980 860 2881 (WhatsApp enabled)

• +977-981 032 6134 (WhatsApp enabled)

Indian state governments have also set up support cells:

• Karnataka: Confirmed that Kannadigas in Nepal are safe and in touch with officials.

• Andhra Pradesh: An emergency cell at Andhra Bhavan, New Delhi, is assisting Telugu citizens, with food and accommodation arranged for 30 people in Kathmandu.

• Gujarat: Reached out to the Centre for the safe return of Gujarati tourists and students.

Streets Under Curfew

The Nepal Army, which took control of nationwide security operations on Tuesday night, has enforced restrictive orders from morning to 5 pm and a curfew from 5 pm to 6 am across the country.

Only vehicles engaged in essential services (ambulances, fire trucks, health workers) are permitted. Residents have been ordered to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

By Wednesday (Sep 9) morning, Kathmandu’s usually bustling streets were deserted. Shops and cafés were shut, locals stocked up on essentials, and armoured vehicles patrolled major intersections. Fire trucks responded to blazes at hotels, offices, and party buildings set alight by agitators.

For visitors, movement within the city is virtually impossible, and checkpoints restrict intercity travel.

Why It Matters For Travellers

Nepal has long been one of the most popular destinations for Indian and global tourists, especially for Kathmandu’s cultural attractions, trekking routes in the Himalayas, and pilgrimage circuits. The unrest, however, has brought most tourism-related activities to a halt.

• Hotels and landmarks damaged: The Hilton blaze is the most high-profile, but several smaller establishments in protest-hit neighbourhoods have also reported vandalism.

• Border tightening: Indian border states like Bihar have stepped up security, and some checkpoints have been sealed. Overland travel is being discouraged.

• Tours and treks suspended: Operators in Kathmandu and Pokhara have cancelled scheduled departures, citing safety concerns and transport disruptions.

For now, even travellers far from Kathmandu are impacted as the movement of supplies, guides, and permits has slowed down.

What Sparked The Protests

The immediate trigger was the Oli government’s sudden ban on 26 social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X. For Nepal’s young, highly connected population, this was seen as an assault on free expression.

Student-led protests swelled quickly in Kathmandu and other cities, with Generation Z at the forefront. Though the ban was lifted on Monday (Sep 8) night, the demonstrations have since widened into a larger anti-corruption and anti-establishment movement.

At least 19 people have died in clashes, hundreds more have been injured, and Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday. Protesters, however, remain on the streets, demanding deeper political reforms.

Voices From Afar

Nepali students in India say they are deeply shaken. Many have postponed their travel plans home for the upcoming Dussehra festival. “I was supposed to visit my parents later this month, but I can’t take that risk now,” said one Delhi University student, adding that he checks in with family every few hours.

Others, especially from towns near Kathmandu, described the anxiety of watching their country burn from afar. “I never thought students would be killed for raising their voice,” said an MBA student from Birgunj.

(With inputs from PTI)

FAQs︱Nepal Gen Z Protest

Q1. Why has India issued a travel advisory for Nepal?
India issued an advisory after violent youth-led protests in Kathmandu shut the airport, imposed curfews, and damaged hotels and public property.

Q2. Are flights to Nepal cancelled?
Yes, flights to and from Kathmandu have been suspended. Indian airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have cancelled or diverted services.

Q3. Is it safe to travel to Nepal now?
No. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indians to avoid non-essential travel until the situation stabilises.

Q4. What should Indians already in Nepal do?
Indians in Nepal should remain indoors, comply with curfews, and keep emergency embassy contacts handy.

Q5. What sparked the Nepal Gen Z protests?
The protests began over a sudden ban on social media apps, later evolving into a wider anti-corruption and anti-government movement.