Mangaluru: Flight services between Mangaluru and several Gulf destinations have been cancelled till March 4 as a precautionary measure in view of the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, airport authorities said on Tuesday.
According to a spokesperson of Mangaluru International Airport, multiple outbound and inbound international flights scheduled for March 3 and March 4 have been cancelled due to the prevailing situation in West Asia.
Flights cancelled on March 3
The spokesperson said that the following flights operating from Mangaluru to Gulf destinations were cancelled on March 3:
- Mangaluru–Doha (IX 821)
- Doha–Mangaluru (IX 822)
- Mangaluru–Dubai (IX 813)
- Mangaluru–Kuwait (IX 851)
- Mangaluru–Dammam (IX 847)
- Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi
These routes connect coastal Karnataka to major transit and employment hubs in the Gulf region and are widely used by expatriates and business travellers.
Flights cancelled on March 4
Similarly, several return services from Gulf cities to Mangaluru scheduled for March 4 have also been cancelled. These include:
- Dubai–Mangaluru (IX 814)
- Kuwait–Mangaluru (IX 852)
- Dammam–Mangaluru (IX 848)
- Abu Dhabi–Mangaluru (IX 816)
Airport officials stated that passengers booked on these flights are being informed by the respective airlines regarding rescheduling, refunds, or alternative arrangements.
Precaution amid regional tensions
Authorities clarified that the cancellations have been announced as a precautionary measure in the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The conflict has led to airspace restrictions and operational uncertainties in parts of the Middle East, prompting airlines to reassess flight schedules for safety reasons.
Though Mangaluru is not directly affected, the airport serves as a key international gateway for passengers travelling to and from Gulf countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Any disruption in regional airspace can have a cascading effect on flight operations.
Officials indicated that further decisions on flight operations beyond March 4 would depend on developments in the region and advisories issued by aviation authorities and airlines.
Advisory to passengers
Passengers scheduled to travel to Gulf destinations have been advised to check with their airlines before proceeding to the airport. Airport authorities have also requested travellers to stay updated through official airline communication channels.
Mangaluru International Airport handles a significant volume of Gulf-bound traffic, especially from expatriate workers and families in coastal Karnataka and neighbouring districts. Temporary suspensions of services are likely to inconvenience many passengers, particularly those with connecting international itineraries.
Airport authorities said safety remains the top priority and expressed hope that normal operations would resume once the situation stabilises.
Conclusion
The temporary suspension of Gulf-bound flights underscores the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions on civil aviation. While the cancellations are limited to specific dates for now, passengers are advised to remain alert to further updates as the situation evolves.