Kathmandu, 5th Falgun. As I write this blog, I’m already confused about the date  should I write 4th or 5th Falgun? Midnight has passed. The clock shows 1:37 a.m. Technically, it’s already the 5th.

Kathmandu, usually bustling during the day, is now quiet. The dim streetlights cast a faint glow. Far away, I can hear a dog barking “Woof… woof,” but nothing else can be heard. Normally, I would be asleep by 11 p.m. But today, at 11, I was 18,000 feet above the ground.

The story begins at Tribhuvan Airport

Let’s start the story from Tribhuvan International Airport. I had booked a 6 a.m. flight with Shree Airlines to Dhangadhi. I arrived at the airport an hour earlier than scheduled. But upon arrival, I discovered that boarding passes were being issued only for the 3 p.m. flight. Nobody knew when boarding for the 6 a.m. flight would start.

After the 3 p.m. flight to Dhangadhi departed at 7, only then did they start issuing our boarding passes. Passengers had grown frustrated waiting. Some tried boarding after 8:30.

Disputes arose with the staff. By 9:15, boarding finally began. By the time the plane took off, it was almost 10 a.m., carrying around 80 passengers to Dhangadhi.

Uncertainty in the sky

An announcement came: “We are preparing to land at Dhangadhi Airport.”

A while later, we were supposed to land, but the plane kept circling. Another announcement followed: “Due to low visibility, we are unable to land at Dhangadhi Airport.”

Now what?

Passengers panicked. Fear was visible on many faces. Then it was announced: “A decision will be made whether to land at Nepalgunj or return to Kathmandu.”

Silence filled the cabin. No one spoke — speaking was almost impossible. Finally, the announcement came: “The plane will return to Kathmandu.” The plane turned back. By the time it landed, it was midnight.

Stranded at midnight

After disembarking, staff collected the boarding passes. “We will arrange you on tomorrow morning’s flight,” they said.

But the question remained — where would 80 passengers stay at that hour? Some were elderly. Some had children. Some had just returned from abroad. One elderly passenger repeatedly asked, “Where do we go now?”

He carried a small bag. His eyes showed fatigue. His face, uncertainty. “Please arrange a vehicle; I will pay,” he requested.

Those with relatives in Kathmandu hesitated to call in the middle of the night. Those without relatives were even more uncertain.

Arguments arose briefly between staff and passengers. Many requested food and accommodation, but staff said it wasn’t possible.

Eventually, frustration subsided.

Some went out looking for hotels. Some decided to stay at the airport. Others went to relatives. Outside, passengers stood under dim streetlights with their bags. Some looked for taxis. Some were on the phone. Some silently stared at the sky.

Even after descending from 18,000 feet, uncertainty remained. Staff said “sorry,” but beyond that, no responsibility seemed to exist.

What does international aviation law say?

Flight delays may happen due to natural causes. But being stranded at midnight with 80 passengers?

Passengers are under the airline’s responsibility while in the air. Does that responsibility end when they land?

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), if an airline fails to transport passengers to their destination or causes excessive delays, it must compensate for economic losses.

International practice requires airlines to provide alternative flights, refund fares, and ensure accommodation and basic facilities. That night, passengers had to make their own arrangements.

One final question

Flight delays may be natural. But 80 passengers stranded at midnight?

Passengers are under the airline’s care 18,000 feet above. But once on the ground, does that responsibility end?

Think carefully — not once, but five times — before booking a ticket with Shree Airlines.