Impact Level: Warning
Locations Affected: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Tracking Id: RINTP3613283262
Description:
As per reports, the Government of Nepal has approved the operation of special flights to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the return of stranded Nepali citizens and migrant workers, amid ongoing security tensions in West Asia (Middle East). The flights will be operated by Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) between Friday and Sunday (03-05 April), following a high‑level coordination meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (31 March).
Background:
Regular commercial flights to Dubai (UAE) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) have remained suspended since Saturday (28 February) due to regional instability.
Impact:
The flights will assist hundreds of Nepali workers affected by flight suspensions and security concerns in the Gulf. Capacity remains limited, and additional flights may depend on further security assessments.
Persistent operational advisories and contingency measures are likely to maintain schedule uncertainty, including potential delays, aircraft changes, and limited short-notice booking flexibility. Combined operational and cost-related pressures due to fuel shortage are likely to impact flight operations across Asia–Middle East corridors.
Recommendations:
Advised to reconfirm flight status before departure and anticipate short-notice schedule changes for itineraries while transiting from Gulf countries.
For further details advised to monitor the X handle of Nepal Airlines Corporation via https://x.com/NepalAirlinesRA?lang=en.
Sources:
• https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2026/04/1903978/special-flight-to-west-asia-to-rescue-nepalis
• https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/nepal-to-operate-special-flights-to-uae-saudi-arabia-to-rescue-stranded-citizens20260402211518/
