Mangaluru: Air connectivity between Mangaluru and several Gulf destinations continues to remain disrupted in the wake of the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and anxious.

Travellers scheduled to fly to Gulf countries on urgent work assignments, medical visits and personal commitments, as well as those returning to Mangaluru from abroad, have been severely affected due to repeated flight cancellations. The disruption has particularly impacted passengers relying on services from Mangaluru International Airport, a key gateway for the large expatriate population from coastal Karnataka working in Gulf countries.

Uncertainty after brief resumption of Muscat service

Passengers had briefly experienced a sense of relief earlier this week when the direct service between Mangaluru and Muscat resumed operations on Tuesday. The flight’s return raised hopes that normal connectivity to the Gulf region would gradually resume.

However, fresh developments in parts of the Gulf region on Wednesday led to renewed uncertainty regarding air travel. Airport sources said several services that were expected to restart in phases have now been cancelled again.

As a result, travellers have been left in a state of confusion, with many monitoring airline notifications and airport updates closely.

Multiple flights to Gulf destinations cancelled

Officials confirmed that several flights connecting Mangaluru with major Gulf cities have been cancelled over the next two days.

The cancellations include services between Mangaluru and key destinations such as Doha, Dubai, Manama, Kuwait City, Dammam and Abu Dhabi.

According to airport officials, the following flights have been cancelled:

  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Doha (IX 821) and Doha–Mangaluru (IX 822)
  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Dubai (IX 831) and Dubai–Mangaluru (IX 832)
  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Dubai (IX 813)
  • Mar 6: Dubai–Mangaluru (IX 814)
  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Bahrain (IX 841) and Mar 6: Bahrain–Mangaluru (IX 842)
  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Kuwait (IX 851) and Mar 6: Kuwait–Mangaluru (IX 852)
  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Dammam (IX 847) and Mar 6: Dammam–Mangaluru (IX 848)
  • Mar 5: Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi (IX 815) and Mar 6: Abu Dhabi–Mangaluru (IX 816)

A spokesperson from the airport said some flights remain tentatively scheduled, but the situation is evolving and may change depending on airspace conditions and operational decisions by airlines.

Passengers wait for last-minute updates

Many passengers with confirmed bookings are choosing to wait until the last moment in the hope that their flights may operate as scheduled.

Several travellers said they had urgent travel needs, including job commitments, visa renewals, family emergencies and medical appointments. With repeated cancellations being announced, many are unsure whether to reschedule their journeys or wait for further updates.

Families expecting relatives from Gulf countries have also been affected, as arrival schedules continue to change at short notice.

Gulf disruption hits coastal Karnataka expatriates

The disruption has had a significant impact on residents of coastal Karnataka, particularly from districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and neighbouring regions, where thousands of people work in Gulf countries.

For many families in the region, Gulf employment forms a crucial part of their livelihood. As a result, flight connectivity between Mangaluru and Gulf cities remains vital for maintaining travel links between workers and their families.

Travel agents in the region said they have been receiving numerous calls from anxious passengers seeking clarification on cancellations, rescheduling options and refund procedures.

Passengers advised to stay in touch with airlines

Airport authorities have advised passengers to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight status, rescheduling arrangements and refunds.

Officials said airlines are expected to provide further announcements depending on how the situation in the region develops.

Conclusion

With the situation in the Gulf region continuing to evolve, passengers in Mangaluru remain hopeful that airspace conditions will stabilise soon. Until then, travellers and their families are closely monitoring developments, awaiting the resumption of normal flight operations.