Kathmandu, February 28 On Saturday, Nepal advised its citizens in West Asian countries to "stay vigilant, exercise caution, and maintain regular contact with the community," adding that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region.
Nepal's civil aviation authority said that flight services from Kathmandu to at least seven destinations in the Gulf region have been suspended until further notice.
The announcements came hours after the US and Israel jointly launched a major attack on Iran, escalating tensions with other Gulf countries.
Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement that it is monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf region and added that Nepali nationals residing in Israel and Iran are advised to remain indoors, stay vigilant, exercise caution, and maintain regular contact with the Nepalese community in nearby locations.
"Strictly adhere to the security advisories and instructions issued by the competent authorities of Israel and Iran," the advisory said.
The Nepali nationals are urged to refrain from traveling without prior authorization from the authorities in Israel and Iran.
The Nepali nationals are also advised to maintain regular communication with the Foreign Ministry in Kathmandu and the embassies of Nepal in Tel Aviv and Doha.
"Nepali nationals planning to travel to Israel or Iran are strongly advised to defer their travel plans until the situation in both countries stabilizes," the advisory read.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said that flight services of various airlines connecting Kathmandu with Gulf countries have been suspended for the time being.
"In the wake of the growing tension in the Middle East, regular flights to seven destinations – Doha, Sharjah, Dubai, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dammam – have been cancelled on Saturday," said a CAAN notice.
Both day and night flights to all these destinations have been cancelled, it said, and requested passengers to contact the respective airlines before heading to the airport.
Meanwhile, issuing a separate travel advisory, the Nepalese Embassy in Abu Dhabi said that Nepalese nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow security guidelines.
"In case of emergency, for information, advice, and assistance, contact the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai," the advisory added.
