Kathmandu: Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport reopened on Wednesday, lifting the flight suspension imposed earlier due to the ongoing unrest. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal announced that flight operations were restored following a security committee meeting and urged passengers to contact their airlines for updated schedules while carrying valid tickets and identification.

The resumption of air travel comes as Nepal continues to grapple with nationwide protests led by Gen Z demonstrators demanding an end to corruption, government favoritism, and the controversial ban on social media platforms.

The Nepalese Army confirmed the arrest of 27 individuals for looting, arson, and violent attacks in Kathmandu and Pokhara between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Security forces also recovered NRs 3.37 million in stolen cash and seized 31 firearms, ammunition, and magazines during operations.

Authorities reported that 23 Nepal Police officers and three civilians remain under treatment for injuries sustained in clashes.

Fire trucks were deployed to extinguish blazes, including those that destroyed the Hilton Hotel, vandalised Sital Niwas (the presidential palace), and torched the residence of former PM Jhalanath Khanal, whose wife succumbed to burn injuries. Smoke was still rising from Kantipur Media Group’s headquarters after it was set on fire.

The Nepalese Army issued a statement extending prohibitory orders until 5 PM today and announcing a nationwide curfew beginning 6 AM Thursday (Bhadra 26).

The Army warned that “lawless groups” had infiltrated the movement and were committing arson, looting, and even attempted sexual assaults under the guise of protest.

The Gen Z-led agitation, which began on September 8 across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, intensified after the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The protests have so far left at least 19 dead and over 500 injured.

Demonstrators continue to demand transparency in governance, justice for those killed, and the immediate revocation of the social media ban, which they see as an attack on free speech.