KATHMANDU: Nepal Airlines has suspended its Kathmandu–Dammam flights amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as disruptions ripple through international airspace affecting multiple carriers operating to and from Nepal.

The airline confirmed that scheduled flights RA 241/242 (KTM–DMM–KTM) on February 28 and March 1 have been cancelled until further notice. Passengers have been advised to monitor the airline’s official website and social media platforms for updates. Notifications will also be sent via email to customers who provided contact details during ticketing.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), a total of 18 international flights were cancelled on Saturday alone due to airspace restrictions and airport closures in the Gulf region triggered by the Iran–Israel tensions. The disruption affected nearly 3,000 passengers.

CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul said three Nepal Airlines flights — Kathmandu–Dammam, Kathmandu–Doha and Kathmandu–Dubai — were cancelled, affecting around 500 passengers.

Four flights operated by Qatar Airways were cancelled, impacting approximately 800 travellers, while four services of Flydubai were grounded, affecting about 600 passengers.

Similarly, two Sharjah-bound flights of Air Arabia impacted around 300 passengers. Three Dammam-bound flights of Himalaya Airlines affected about 500 passengers, and two Kuwait-bound flights saw around 300 travellers disrupted.

Dubai International Airport, considered one of the world’s busiest hubs, has also been affected following reported drone attacks linked to the regional conflict.

Airport authorities said several Gulf destinations — including Doha, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dammam and Riyadh — remain closed, raising the likelihood of further cancellations. Around 14 additional flights may be cancelled on Sunday, CAAN warned.

However, Turkish Airlines continues to operate its Kathmandu service after rerouting flights via northern airspace.

Large crowds of stranded passengers were seen at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday evening and again Sunday morning. Many travellers bound for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE returned home after waiting for hours following flight cancellations.

CAAN said flights to affected destinations will remain suspended until further notice and advised passengers to stay in contact with their respective airlines for updates.