After Nepal protests and violent unrest over the government’s social media ban on Monday 8 September 2025 rocked capital Kathmandu, Nepal’s main aviation hub, Tribhuvan International Airport, has reopened, however the Australian Government’s travel advice remains at the second-highest level.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) continues to uphold its Nepal travel warning for Aussie travellers to “reconsider your need to travel to Nepal due to civil unrest and the risk of natural disasters”.
On its Smartraveller website, DFAT has advised some airlines have resumed flights, but warned that it might take time for normal flight operations to resume, depending on the security situation, which remains unpredictable.
“Do not go to the airport until your flight is confirmed. Contact your airline or travel provider about your flight status and only travel to the airport if you can do so safely. Allow extra time to travel to the airport as access may be impacted by curfews or extra checks by authorities,” DFAT said.
DFAT notes that Nepal authorities continue to enforce curfews in the Kathmandu Valley and in major cities across Nepal with military checkpoints are in place across Kathmandu.
“We continue to advise shelter in place, stay alert, obey curfews and follow the instructions of local authorities. Authorities may enforce further curfews at short notice. Avoid areas affected by demonstrations, protests and other public gatherings.”
It comes as the Nepalese army retook control of Kathmandu on 11 September 2025 after days of Nepal protests and violence that saw 30 people killed, forcing the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and leaving major buildings, including the nation’s parliament, severely damaged.
Since Monday, the social media ban has been lifted, and now the army is negotiating with protestors to work out how to move forward.
Australians needing immediate assistance can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia.
Nepal protests – the story so far
A ban on social media platforms sparked the initial spate of Nepal protests in the South Asian nation. Although that was lifted on Monday, unrest had already gathered steam, resulting in the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters that day. More deaths were reported on Tuesday.
According to Associated Press, violent demonstrations resulted in government buildings and politicians’ homes being set ablaze, and some leaders being attacked. The Nepal protests continued with thousands of protestors blocking streets, despite Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.
As the gateway to the Himalayas, Nepal is usually a popular destination for travellers, particularly among those who love to hike. But its attractions extend beyond its trails to its temples and even wildlife.
Earlier this year, Nepal reflected on a decade since the devastation of the 2015 earthquake.
