Mangaluru: Passengers flying between Mangaluru and Dubai are facing inconvenience as Air India Express has cancelled one of its two daily flights (IX 813/814) to Dubai from June 17 to June 30, 2025, citing operational constraints.
The airline’s decision brings down the weekly flight movements on the Mangaluru-Dubai sector from 18 to just 11, significantly reducing seat availability during this period. The cut is expected to particularly impact weekend travellers and business commuters.
Ongoing Middle East crisis forces route disruptions
The airline has attributed the move to the widening airspace closures over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, a consequence of the escalating Middle East crisis. These restricted zones have forced airlines globally to reroute or cancel hundreds of flights, affecting key flight corridors between Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.
According to aviation analysts, the closures have not only elongated flight paths but also increased fuel costs, impacting operational feasibility for many carriers, especially low-cost ones such as Air India Express.
IndiGo maintains schedule
Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines continues to operate its scheduled four weekly flights on the Mangaluru-Dubai route, offering some relief to passengers seeking alternatives. However, with reduced frequency overall, fares may rise due to increased demand and limited supply.
Passengers advised to check schedules
Passengers are urged to check with the airline or their travel agents for revised schedules and alternative options. Those booked on the cancelled Air India Express services are being offered rescheduling or full refunds.
The disruptions highlight the vulnerability of international air routes to geopolitical tensions, and Mangaluru International Airport—being a key exit point to Gulf countries for coastal Karnataka—is no exception to the wider implications.