Nepal Election Domestic Flights Suspended
24th February 2026, Kathmandu
The civil aviation and tourism landscape in Nepal is preparing for a temporary shift in operations as the country moves toward the House of Representatives election. In a move designed to prioritize national security and administrative efficiency on polling day, the Nepal Tourism Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) have confirmed that domestic flight services will be suspended nationwide. This decision, communicated through a formal travel advisory, ensures that the movement of people within the country is regulated during the critical hours of the democratic process. While the suspension of domestic air travel affects major regional hubs such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj, the authorities have clarified that the international gateway at Tribhuvan International Airport will remain operational. This strategic balance allows the country to conduct its national elections securely while maintaining its vital connection to the global community.
Nepal Election Domestic Flights
The primary reason for the suspension of Nepal Election Domestic Flights is to facilitate the implementation of movement control protocols. During national elections, the government of Nepal typically restricts vehicle and air traffic to prevent unauthorized travel between constituencies and to ensure that security forces can monitor the polling centers without the complication of mass public transit. By halting internal flights for a twenty four hour period, the Election Commission can better manage the logistical demands of the day. This measure is a standard practice in Nepal’s electoral history, intended to maintain a peaceful environment for voters to cast their ballots. For domestic travelers, this means that any scheduled trips to the mountains or the Terai region must be adjusted to occur before or after the designated polling date.
To support the tourism sector, the Nepal Tourism Board has emphasized that international travelers will experience minimal disruption to their inbound and outbound journeys. While internal skies remain quiet, international carriers will continue to fly into Kathmandu as scheduled. To ensure that tourists arriving from abroad can reach their hotels safely despite the lack of public transportation on election day, a specialized shuttle system has been established. Tourism companies and hotels can apply for special vehicle passes from the District Administration Office (DAO). These passes allow designated buses and vans to operate between the airport and major tourist hubs like Thamel and Lazimpat, ensuring that foreign visitors are not stranded upon arrival. This proactive arrangement highlights Nepal’s commitment to protecting its tourism brand even during major national events.
In addition to air travel restrictions, a broader security perimeter is being established at the national borders. Authorities have announced that all land border entry points will be closed 72 hours prior to the election. This closure is aimed at preventing any external interference and ensuring that only authorized personnel and emergency services cross the borders during the lead up to the vote. Travelers planning to enter Nepal via land routes from India or China must factor in this three day window to avoid being stuck at the border crossings. Despite these land and air restrictions, the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants, has been instructed to remain open to serve international guests, providing a sense of normalcy within the tourist zones.
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The strategic importance of maintaining tourism continuity during the election cannot be overstated. With the tourism industry contributing significantly to the national GDP, the government has taken care to message that Nepal remains a safe and welcoming destination. The Nepal Tourism Board has designated specific contact officers to handle any grievances or confusion that travelers might face during this period. By keeping heritage sites and cultural landmarks open to visitors, the government is signaling that the democratic process is a sign of national stability rather than a cause for alarm. For the international community, seeing a country manage a massive election while keeping its tourism infrastructure intact builds long term investor and visitor confidence.
Travelers currently in Nepal or planning a visit are advised to take several precautionary steps. First, it is essential to reconfirm all domestic flight tickets and ensure that travel plans do not rely on internal air travel on the day of the vote. Second, visitors should coordinate with their trekking agencies or hotels to secure airport transfers well in advance. Since the suspension of domestic flights might lead to a surge in demand on the days immediately preceding and following the election, booking early is highly recommended. Finally, staying informed through official government channels and the Nepal Tourism Board website will provide the most accurate and up to date information regarding any changes in the security situation or transport availability.
In conclusion, the suspension of Nepal Election Domestic Flights on polling day is a temporary but necessary measure to safeguard the integrity of the House of Representatives election. By pausing internal air travel, the government can focus its resources on ensuring a fair and secure voting process for all citizens. However, through the continued operation of international flights and the introduction of hotel shuttle passes, Nepal is demonstrating its ability to host the world while fulfilling its democratic duties. This coordinated effort between the aviation, tourism, and security sectors ensures that while the country’s domestic planes stay on the ground for a day, its reputation as a premier global destination continues to fly high. As the nation prepares for this significant milestone in 2082, the world can look toward Nepal as a model of how to balance national governance with international hospitality.
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