Flight Cancellations from Kathmandu to Gulf Cities Amid US-Iran Conflict
Synopsis
On February 28, multiple flights from Kathmandu to Gulf cities were cancelled due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran, leaving many passengers stranded. Airlines are advising travelers to stay updated with flight statuses amidst the ongoing conflict.
Key Takeaways
Over a dozen flights from Kathmandu to Gulf cities were cancelled.
The cancellations were triggered by the US-Iran conflict.
Airlines are advising passengers to stay informed about flight statuses.
Stranded passengers experienced overcrowding at the airport.
Airspace closures in the region have caused widespread flight disruptions.
Kathmandu, Feb 28 (NationPress) Over a dozen planned flights connecting Nepal to various Gulf cities were cancelled on Saturday due to the intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran.
A coordinated attack by the US and Israel on Iran led to retaliatory actions from Tehran, which targeted both Israel and US military installations across several Gulf nations. As a result, multiple countries in the region opted to shut down their airspace and suspend civilian flight operations.
By Saturday evening, the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Authority, part of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), reported that a total of 14 flights scheduled from Kathmandu to various West Asian cities, along with incoming flights from those locations, had been cancelled.
Several airlines, including Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and Kuwait Airways, were affected, with Himalaya Airlines cancelling the most flights, totaling six.
The cancellations left many passengers stranded at TIA, resulting in overcrowding at the terminal as they awaited updates.
“Due to the current situation affecting Middle Eastern airspace, all our flights to the Middle East, including destinations like Dubai, Dammam, and Doha, are cancelled until further notice,” Himalaya Airlines announced via social media.
Nepal Airlines also indicated that flights RA 229/230 (Kathmandu-Dubai-Kathmandu) and RA 239 (Kathmandu-Doha-Kathmandu) scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2026, have been cancelled indefinitely due to the ongoing circumstances in the Middle East.
“We will provide updates regarding the status of the Dammam flights shortly,” stated the national flag carrier in a social media post.
Earlier that day, the TIA authority had cautioned travelers that some international flights could experience delays, rescheduling, or cancellations, advising them to verify the latest flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
“This airport is actively coordinating with airlines and relevant authorities to ensure effective passenger management,” it added.
Point of View
The cancellations of flights from Kathmandu to Gulf cities due to the US-Iran conflict highlight the far-reaching impacts of international disputes on civilian travel. It is crucial for affected passengers to remain informed and for authorities to manage the situation effectively.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the flights from Kathmandu cancelled?
Flights were cancelled due to the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, which led to multiple countries closing their airspace.
Which airlines have cancelled flights?
Airlines such as Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and Kuwait Airways cancelled flights due to the situation.
How many flights were cancelled?
A total of 14 flights scheduled between Kathmandu and various Gulf cities were cancelled.
What should passengers do now?
Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status and updates.
Is there any information on when flights might resume?
Currently, no specific timeline has been provided for when flights might resume; passengers should stay updated through airline communications.
