Kathmandu Bans Protests at Tribhuvan Airport; Section 5+ Gatherings Prohibited for One Month
In a significant security move, the District Administration Office (DAO) of Kathmandu has imposed a one-month ban on protests involving more than five people at and around Tribhuvan International Airport. The order comes into effect from Friday, citing intelligence inputs about planned demonstrations at Nepal’s only international airport.
Authorities said the measure aims to prevent disruptions at a “highly sensitive” location critical to national connectivity and public services.
Thursday: The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, reviews reports of certain groups planning protest activities at the international airport premises.
Late Thursday: DAO issues a formal prohibitory order restricting all protest-related activities involving more than five individuals within the airport perimeter and surrounding zones.
Friday: The ban comes into force for a period of one month. Security deployment is expected to be tightened across access roads and terminal areas.
Areas Covered Under the Ban
The restriction applies to the entire premises of Tribhuvan International Airport and its surrounding areas.
The prohibited zones include roads from the main entrance gate to the airport compound, the domestic terminal, the international terminal, parking areas, and all locations within the airport’s perimeter.
Under the order, activities such as hunger strikes, sit-ins, gherao, rallies, demonstrations and assemblies involving gatherings of more than five people are barred.
Official Statement from Authorities
In its notification, the District Administration Office said the decision was taken considering the sensitive nature of the airport and the potential risk posed by large gatherings.
“The protest programme — including hunger strikes, sit-ins, gherao, rallies, demonstrations, and assemblies — may lead to vandalism, arson, and other unruly and undesirable activities by agitated crowds,” the DAO stated.
It further warned that such gatherings could result in clashes, mob violence or disturbances that might disrupt essential services, public transportation, and overall peace and security.
However, the DAO clarified that it remains committed to upholding citizens’ constitutional rights under the Constitution of Nepal. It emphasized that peaceful protests can still be held in other designated areas, subject to prior notice.
Authorities have also cautioned that any damage to public, private or government property during protests will be assessed as per the law, and compensation will be recovered from organisers.
Police officials in Kathmandu have indicated that additional personnel will be deployed around the airport to enforce the order and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Eyewitness and Local Reactions
As of Friday morning, airport operations appeared normal, with passengers reporting heightened security presence near entry gates and parking areas.
Some local commuters said security checks seemed stricter than usual, particularly along roads leading to the international terminal. Taxi drivers operating in the area noted that police personnel were stationed at key intersections.
There have been no reports of clashes or attempted protests at the airport following the announcement of the order.
Background and Similar Incidents
Tribhuvan International Airport serves as Nepal’s primary international gateway, handling both passenger and cargo traffic. Due to its strategic importance, authorities have historically treated the airport and surrounding infrastructure as sensitive security zones.
In the past, Nepal has witnessed protests in central Kathmandu that disrupted public transportation and government services. While major demonstrations have typically occurred in city centres or public squares, authorities have often acted swiftly to prevent spillover into critical infrastructure zones such as airports and government buildings.
Security measures at the airport have also been heightened during periods of political unrest, natural disasters, and high-profile international visits.
Impact: Local and National Implications
The immediate impact of the order is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted airport operations. As Nepal’s only international airport, any disruption could have significant consequences for travel, tourism, trade, and emergency services.
At a national level, the move reflects the administration’s focus on pre-emptive security management, especially in sensitive zones. Nepal relies heavily on tourism and international connectivity, making airport stability critical to economic activity.
Globally, uninterrupted functioning of Tribhuvan International Airport is essential for diplomatic missions, international airlines, and cross-border cargo operations.
Civil society observers note that while security concerns are valid, the balance between maintaining order and protecting democratic rights will remain under public scrutiny.
What Officials Are Expected to Do Next
Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely over the next month. Security deployment around the airport will likely remain elevated, particularly if protest calls intensify in other parts of Kathmandu.
The DAO has urged protest organisers to inform local authorities in advance when planning demonstrations elsewhere in the city. Officials are also likely to assess intelligence inputs regularly to determine whether the ban needs extension or modification after the one-month period.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated that enforcement will focus strictly on the notified zones, while allowing lawful and peaceful assemblies in permitted areas.
Conclusion
The Kathmandu administration’s decision to ban protests involving more than five people at Tribhuvan International Airport marks a precautionary step aimed at safeguarding a critical national infrastructure hub. While authorities have emphasized their commitment to constitutional freedoms, the coming weeks will test how effectively the balance between security and civil liberties is maintained.
For now, airport operations remain unaffected, with security forces on alert to prevent any disruption.
