In a bid to safeguard operations at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu’s district administration has slapped a 30-day prohibition on protests and gatherings near the facility, starting Friday. The decision targets potential disruptions from groups planning agitations in the vicinity.
Detailed in the latest DAO directive, the curbs outlaw hunger strikes, dharnas, blockades, marches, protests, and assemblies exceeding five people across the airport’s full footprint—including entry points, terminals for domestic and international flights, parking zones, and adjacent roadways.
The area’s extreme sensitivity justifies the clampdown, administrators argue. Disruptive actions risk escalating into riots, property damage, fires, and violent confrontations, jeopardizing vital services, transit systems, assets, and peace. With thousands passing through daily, even minor incidents could trigger widespread chaos.
Kathmandu DAO balances security with rights, pledging adherence to Nepal’s constitution on speech, unarmed peaceful meetings, and dissent rights beyond the no-go zone. Event planners must pre-inform officials for alternative venues, facing full liability for any destruction caused.
As Nepal navigates political undercurrents, this ban highlights priorities for infrastructure protection. Aviation stakeholders welcome the step, hoping it prevents repeats of past disruptions that stranded passengers and delayed cargo.