Nepal Airlines Suspends Gulf Flights as Middle East Conflict Escalates; Thousands Stranded

KATHMANDU – In a significant blow to international travel and migrant labor movement, the state-owned Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has announced the temporary suspension of several key routes to the Middle East. The decision follows the closure of airspaces across the Gulf region due to the intensifying conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

As of March 12, 2026, the national flag carrier has officially cancelled scheduled flights to Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), and Dammam (DMM), citing immediate risks to civil aviation and crew safety.

Cancellations and Flight Disruptions

The “ongoing situation” in West Asia has forced a wave of cancellations that began in late February and has now peaked. According to the latest circular from Nepal Airlines:

• Kathmandu–Doha (RA 239/240): Suspended through March 12 and 13.

• Kathmandu–Dammam (RA 241/242): Multiple cancellations reported this week.

• Kathmandu–Dubai (RA 229/230): Operating on a highly irregular schedule, with several flights grounded earlier this week.

Private carrier Himalayan Airlines has also mirrored these moves, halting its services to Dubai and Dammam until further notice.

Transit Crisis: Passengers Stranded

The suspension has triggered a humanitarian ripple effect. While thousands of passengers are stuck at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), approximately 90 Nepalis are currently stranded in transit at Kuwait Airport, with others reported in Jeddah and Cairo.

Airlines have begun providing hotel accommodations for some, but many travelers—particularly migrant workers with expired visas—face legal and financial uncertainty. The government has launched an online registration portal for stranded citizens to coordinate potential rescue efforts.

The Government’s “National-Level” Rescue Plan

In a press conference on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma emphasized that while there is no “immediate” need for a mass evacuation of the estimated 2.5 to 3 million Nepalis in the Gulf, the state is preparing for the worst-case scenario.

“Evacuating millions would require a national-level plan. We have established a Situation Center and an Emergency Response Team to monitor the safety of our citizens minute-by-minute,” Minister Sharma stated.

The Ministry confirmed that while the majority of Nepali workers are currently safe, one Nepali national has died and 15 others were injured in the UAE during recent regional shelling

Economic & Tourism Fallout

The timing of the conflict is particularly devastating for Nepal’s economy:

• Tourism Hits: The disruptions come at the start of the peak Spring Trekking Season. With 90% of long-haul tourists from Europe and North America connecting through Gulf hubs, arrivals have dropped by nearly 60% compared to normal days.

• Remittance at Risk: Experts warn that a prolonged conflict could deplete the national treasury, as the government may need to divert development budgets to fund multi-billion-rupee rescue operations.