Interglobe Aviation , operating IndiGo, India's leading airline, has announced the resumption of its flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal, following a brief suspension due to political unrest in the country. The airline is set to restart operations from September 11, offering four daily scheduled flights on this route.

Flight Resumption Details

IndiGo's decision to resume flights comes after a two-day suspension triggered by the political upheaval in Nepal. The airline has stated that it will operate the following:

• Four daily scheduled flights between India and Kathmandu
• Two additional special relief flights at special fares (subject to regulatory approvals)

The special relief flights are aimed at facilitating the return of passengers to India amidst the ongoing situation.

Background on Nepal's Political Crisis

The flight suspensions were a direct result of violent demonstrations in Nepal, primarily led by Gen Z protesters. The unrest was sparked by the Nepali government's decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including popular sites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

The consequences of this political turmoil have been severe:

• At least 19 deaths reported nationwide
• 18 protesters killed in Kathmandu alone
• Over 300 people injured
• Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after his residence was set on fire

Government and Airline Response

In response to the crisis, the Indian government has taken proactive measures:

• Arranged additional flights for stranded passengers
• Advised airlines to maintain reasonable fares for home-bound passengers

IndiGo's decision to resume flights aligns with the reopening of airport operations in Kathmandu, signaling a gradual return to normalcy in air travel between the two countries.

As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest information from IndiGo and relevant authorities regarding flight schedules and any potential changes.

Interglobe Aviation , operating as IndiGo, India's leading airline, has announced a significant expansion of its domestic network with the addition of Purnea, Bihar as its 94th domestic and 137th overall destination. This move marks a milestone for both IndiGo and Purnea, as it heralds the launch of commercial operations at Purnea airport under the government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

New Route Details

The new service will connect Kolkata to Purnea with direct flights starting September 15, 2025. The flights are scheduled to operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, utilizing ATR aircraft. This strategic route aims to link the Seemanchal region of Bihar with Kolkata's major aviation hub and IndiGo's extensive network.

Expanding Presence in Bihar

With the addition of Purnea, IndiGo strengthens its footprint in Bihar, making it the airline's fourth destination in the state after Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga. This expansion underscores IndiGo's commitment to enhancing connectivity across India, particularly in regions that have been historically underserved by commercial aviation.

Impact on Regional Development

The new air link is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economic and social development. It is anticipated to support:

• Trade: Improved air connectivity could boost trade between Purnea and other major cities.
• Tourism: Easier access may encourage more tourists to explore the Seemanchal region.
• Local Sectors: Key industries such as agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and education are likely to benefit from better air connectivity.
• Regional Growth: The air link could contribute to overall regional development by attracting investments and creating new opportunities.

UDAN Scheme Success

The launch of flights to Purnea is a testament to the success of the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel accessible to a wider section of the population by connecting smaller cities and towns. IndiGo's initiative to be the first airline to operate from Purnea airport aligns with this vision of improving regional air connectivity.

As IndiGo continues to expand its network, this new route to Purnea represents another step in the airline's strategy to strengthen its domestic presence and contribute to India's growing aviation sector.