Former King Gyanendra Shah arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport on February 13, 2026, by helicopter from Jhapa district. Hundreds of royalist supporters gathered at the airport to welcome him. The crowd caused severe traffic congestion around the airport area throughout the afternoon.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a one-month ban on gatherings of more than five people near the airport. The prohibitory order aims to maintain security ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21 (early March 2026).
Former King Returns by Helicopter After Weather Change
Gyanendra Shah was in the Damak area of Jhapa for a family visit. He originally planned to fly back on a commercial flight with Buddha Air.
Weather disruptions forced a change in plans. He switched to a Kailash Helicopter that departed Jhapa around noon on February 13. The helicopter landed at TIA approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes later. The former king arrived in the early to mid-afternoon.
Royalist Groups Organize Large Welcome Despite Ban
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party led the welcome effort. RPP leaders publicly called for supporters to join the reception.
RPP spokesperson Mohan Shrestha described it as a patriotic event. Senior leader Dhawal Shamsher Rana and former MP Ravindra Mishra also encouraged participation. RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden objected to the prohibitory order. He called it an infringement on citizens’ rights.
Other groups included the United People’s Movement Committee led by Navaraj Subedi. Supporters linked to activist Durga Prasai also participated. Crowds gathered with national flags outside the airport terminals. They positioned themselves along roads leading to TIA’s Golden Gate entrance.
District Administration Imposes Security Restrictions
The Kathmandu District Administration Office announced the ban on February 13. The order covers the entire TIA area, including terminals, parking zones, and access roads. Gatherings of more than five people for demonstrations are prohibited for a period of one month. The restriction applies to all political rallies and public assemblies near the airport.
Authorities cited the need to maintain law and order. They want to ensure smooth airport operations during the election period. “This is necessary to prevent disruptions and maintain security,” a district official stated in the announcement.
Heavy police deployment was visible around TIA. Officers conducted strict monitoring and surveillance throughout the area.
Traffic Chaos Near Airport Area
Roads leading to Tribhuvan International Airport experienced severe congestion. Vehicles were blocked or moved slowly for several hours. Commuters reported major delays in reaching the airport. Some passengers worried about missing flights due to traffic jams.
Social media posts showed long lines of vehicles. Photos and videos circulated on Facebook, Instagram, and X platform. The traffic situation improved gradually by late afternoon. But delays continued in surrounding neighborhoods.
Political Context and Timing
This welcome follows a similar pattern from March 2025. Gyanendra’s return from Pokhara also drew large crowds and caused traffic problems. The event occurs during a sensitive political period. House of Representatives elections are scheduled for Falgun 21, 2082 BS (early March 2026).
Monarchist groups view these gatherings as shows of strength. They highlight public dissatisfaction with current political parties. Pro-monarchy supporters see the former king’s movements as symbolic. They connect his presence to demands for monarchy.
Critics say such events disrupt normal life. They point to traffic problems and security concerns for ordinary citizens.
No Violence Reported
Organizers described the welcome as peaceful. Supporters gathered without any major confrontations. No injuries have been reported as of mid-afternoon February 13. Police have not announced any arrests related to the gathering.
Security forces maintained a visible presence throughout. They monitored the crowd but did not intervene aggressively. The atmosphere remained celebratory among royalist supporters. They waved flags and chanted slogans supporting the former monarchy.
Airport operations continued normally despite the outside crowds. Flight schedules were not officially disrupted by the gathering itself. The prohibitory order remains in effect for the next month. Authorities will continue monitoring political activities near TIA as elections approach.
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