Stuck In Nepal After Flights Cancellations? How Stranded Travellers Can Return Home

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 14:37 IST

In the wake of protests, security has been tightened by Indian authorities at places bordering Nepal

Demonstrators clash with riot police personnel during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025. (Photo: AFP)

As violent protests gripped Nepal, authorities suspended flight operations at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of travellers — mostly tourists — stranded.

Some flights heading to Kathmandu from India have been diverted to the airport in Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow.

Nepal, known for its majestic Himalayas, vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage, attracts thousands of tourists every year. Tourism contributes significantly to Nepal’s GDP and provides livelihoods for thousands.

Here’s How You Can Get Out of Nepal

The country is well connected by road to India’s border states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim. If you are stranded in Nepal due to flight cancellations, you can return via the Sunauli–Bhairahawa border through Gorakhpur, Rupaidiha–Nepalgunj through Bahraich, Barhni–Krishnanagar through Siddharthnagar, or Pilibhit–Dhangadhi for access to western Nepal.

Travellers can also enter India from Bihar through the Raxaul–Birgunj border via Motihari, which offers the quickest road access to Patna.

Lucknow International Airport is roughly 600 kilometres from Kathmandu, while Patna International Airport is around 350 kilometres away.

Foreigners (except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan) must hold a valid Indian visa or e-visa to enter India via a land border. They cannot obtain an Indian visa on arrival at the India–Nepal border. Foreign travellers should head to Lucknow to catch international flights, as Patna currently has no active overseas operations due to runway constraints and pending upgrades.

In the wake of protests, security has been tightened by Indian authorities at places bordering Nepal.

SSP Lakhimpur Kheri, Sankalp Sharma, said, “We are constantly keeping a close watch on the law and order developments in the neighbouring country. We are in constant coordination with the Border Security Force. Joint patrolling is being done. We have deployed adequate vigilance and police force."

Current Situation In Nepal

Hundreds of protesters went on a rampage in Nepal, vandalising the residences of several political leaders and other buildings. With mounting pressure, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation. As many as 19 protesters were killed and over 300 injured in the stir on Monday against the social media ban and corruption.

However, there is no update yet on when flight operations will resume at Kathmandu airport.

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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