Flight schedules at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) were thrown into disarray on Tuesday due to the temporary closure of airspace in the Middle East.
According to airport sources, two international flights had to turn back mid-journey. One Air India Express aircraft that had taken off for Dammam and an IndiGo flight bound for Abu Dhabi on Monday night were forced to return. Both planes safely landed at MIA on Tuesday morning, disrupting travel plans for several passengers.
The unexpected situation affected routine operations, with airlines assessing and adjusting their flight paths. Passengers on board experienced delays, while others faced cancellations or rescheduling as aviation authorities monitored developments in the region.
Air India Express, which runs 25 weekly flights to Doha, was among the most affected carriers. The airline connects several South Indian cities to Qatar’s capital. Direct routes from Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchchirappalli were impacted by the airspace restrictions.
Officials are keeping a close watch on the evolving geopolitical situation, as airlines continue to reroute or delay services for safety. Travelers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
Though disruptions have eased slightly, the full resumption of normal schedules will depend on when Middle Eastern airspace reopens.
Passengers are urged to check flight status regularly and prepare for possible changes as the situation develops.