Flights out and in of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, have been cancelled with the airport shutting following lethal protests in Nepal over a authorities social media ban.
Not less than 19 individuals have been killed, and round 100 extra injured, as clashes between demonstrators and police erupted in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is a well-liked metropolis break vacation spot as a result of its historical temples, bustling markets and spectacular Unesco World Heritage websites, comparable to Kathmandu Durbar Sq.. It’s also typically the departure level for these set to climb the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, situated outdoors town within the Himalayas.
For travellers planning on visiting Kathmandu or different areas in Nepal, and people already there, right here is the most recent UK authorities journey recommendation.
What is occurring in Nepal?
Not less than 19 individuals have been killed in Nepal amid clashes between protestors and police over a authorities social media ban.
The demonstrations began when 1000’s from Technology Z, these of their teenagers and 20s, protested towards the ban on 26 social media platforms, together with Fb, YouTube, and X.
Police have been accused of “firing indiscriminately” at demonstrators, whereas authorities say the protestors broke via a barricade to drive their approach into the parliament complicated in Kathmandu.
Amid the protests, tyres have been set on fireplace and objects have been hurled at rows of riot police. One eyewitness advised The Impartial he noticed protesters setting fireplace to the houses of some politicians in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
Protestors marched via town bearing the nationwide flag and carrying indicators stating slogans comparable to “Shut down corruption, not social media”.
The protests that began within the capital have unfold nationwide to different cities, together with Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara.
Nepal has since reversed the ban, withdrawing the choice to dam social media platforms following an emergency cupboard assembly late on Monday. On Tuesday, Nepal’s prime minister KP Sharma Oli launched a press release saying he was resigning in mild of the disaster.
Even after the social media ban was lifted, demonstrators stated they’d proceed to protest. Demonstrators say their grievances are about extra than simply the social media ban, with some stating that they’re persevering with to protest corruption and nepotism.
What’s the UK authorities recommendation?
The Overseas, Commonwealth & Growth Workplace (FCDO) has confirmed that there have been plenty of casualties in Nepal and has suggested travellers to keep away from protests.
“Protests are happening in Kathmandu and elsewhere throughout the nation. There have been violent clashes, with deadly drive utilized by the police. This has led to plenty of deaths and accidents,” the FCDO stated.
“Curfews have been launched in a number of cities, together with Kathmandu and Pokhara. Keep away from protests, test native media for updates, and comply with path of the authorities.”
“Kathmandu airport has additionally been disrupted, impacting home and worldwide flights. Contact your airline, resort and tour operator for up-to-date info earlier than journey. Vacationers ought to be capable to transfer round and journey to and from airports with proof of journey plans,” the FCDO added.
“Whereas the social media ban has been lifted, count on continued disruption to providers.”
In its normal civil dysfunction recommendation for Nepal, the FCDO provides that plenty of teams have said their intent to organise protests or political rallies in Kathmandu and elsewhere throughout the nation.
The FCDO stated that they’ll begin at quick discover and should result in clashes between protesters and legislation enforcement. Protests trigger disruption to move, and the authorities could enhance the police presence.
Will my flight be cancelled?
Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport, the capital’s fundamental airport, is situated near town centre and has shut as a result of “opposed situations throughout the valley” in addition to “smoke” seen across the airport and the flight path, the airport stated in a translated submit.
Many flights within the morning had been cancelled or diverted to different airports in Nepal and India, and by Tuesday afternoon, the civil aviation authority introduced the entire closure of the airport with speedy impact.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?
As a passenger, you’re coated by UK legislation if you’re departing from an airport within the UK on any airline, arriving at an airport within the UK on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an airport within the EU on a UK airline.
Airways should give you care and help in case your flight is cancelled, which means they have to provide you with food and drinks (typically offered within the type of vouchers), means so that you can talk (typically by refunding name prices), lodging if you’re given a brand new flight the next day, and transport to and from the lodging or your private home.
The airline should give you this stuff till it is ready to fly you to your vacation spot, irrespective of how lengthy the delay lasts or what has brought about it, the Civil Aviation Authority says.
Typically, airways are unable to rearrange care and help if they’re stretched throughout main disruptions, which means you may prepare the care your self and declare the price again later by maintaining receipts.
Can I cancel my vacation?
Because the FCDO has not warned towards journey to Nepal, there can be no particular circumstances in place to have the ability to cancel a visit for a full refund.
The situations for cancelling your journey can be dependent in your vacation supplier, so it’s greatest to contact them if you happen to’re seeking to postpone.
There isn’t a obligation for corporations to refund bookings if you wish to cancel, and also you will be unable to assert in your journey insurance coverage as a result of security considerations until authorities recommendation modifications.
In case you do have journey insurance coverage, some insurance policies embrace pure catastrophe cowl for an occasion that forestalls you from reaching your vacation vacation spot. Examine your insurance coverage insurance policies and communicate to your insurer to see the place you stand.
For extra journey information and recommendation, hearken to Simon Calder’s podcast
