Flight operations at Nepal's primary international gateway came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday when a significant electrical malfunction disrupted normal functioning at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
The suspension, which began in the afternoon of September 24, 2024, affected both domestic and international flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and forcing airlines to issue immediate travel advisories.
Technical Breakdown and Immediate Impact
Airport authorities confirmed that the suspension resulted from problems in the airport's electrical system that powers essential operational equipment. The technical fault specifically affected systems crucial for air traffic management and ground handling services.
According to officials, the issue was detected around 2:00 PM local time, prompting the immediate suspension of all flight movements as a safety precaution. The airport management swiftly deployed technical teams to diagnose and resolve the electrical problem.
Multiple airlines operating at the airport, including Nepal Airlines, quickly informed passengers about the disruption through official social media channels and airport announcements.
Passenger Experience and Airline Response
The sudden suspension created significant inconvenience for travelers, with many left waiting indefinitely in terminal buildings without clear information about when operations might resume.
Several international carriers that regularly operate flights between Kathmandu and Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata were affected by the shutdown. Airlines began rebooking passengers on alternative flights once it became apparent the technical issue would require substantial repair time.
Airport authorities established help desks to assist stranded passengers and provided regular updates about the progress of repair work. However, the lack of a definitive timeline for restoration added to traveler anxiety.
Restoration Efforts and Broader Implications
Technical teams worked continuously through the afternoon to identify the root cause of the electrical failure and implement necessary repairs. The complexity of airport electrical systems meant restoration required careful, systematic troubleshooting.
This incident marks one of the rare occasions when Nepal's busiest airport has experienced a complete operational shutdown due to technical issues. The event highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust infrastructure at key transportation hubs.
As repair efforts continued, aviation authorities began developing contingency plans for handling the backlog of flights once operations resume. The suspension occurred during a typically busy travel period, compounding the operational challenges.
Tribhuvan International Airport serves as the main international gateway to Nepal and handles millions of passengers annually, including significant tourist traffic from India and other countries.
