Air travel from Mangaluru faced significant disruption on Saturday after Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting airspace closures across parts of West Asia and affecting international routes.
Officials at Mangaluru International Airport confirmed that Air India Express flight IX 831 from Mangaluru to Dubai returned to the bay after Iranian airspace was closed. The flight was later cancelled at 3 pm, with all 174 passengers and six crew members safely deplaned.
Another Air India Express service, IX 821 from Mangaluru to Qatar, was diverted to Mumbai. Meanwhile, IndiGo flight 6E 1467 from Mangaluru to Dubai was cancelled.
Multiple Gulf-bound flights affected
Cancellations linked to airspace restrictions include IX 822 (Qatar–Mangaluru), IX 832 (Dubai–Mangaluru), IX 847 (Mangaluru–Dammam), IX 813 (Mangaluru–Dubai), IX 851 (Mangaluru–Kuwait), and IX 815 (Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi), among others.
Air India Express announced that its Gulf services are temporarily suspended, with affected passengers being notified through registered contact details. IndiGo also advised travellers to check updated flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Airlines are adjusting schedules and rerouting aircraft in response to evolving restrictions.
Anxiety among expatriates
The disruption has heightened concern among expatriates from coastal Karnataka living in Gulf nations and Israel. Residents in Bahrain reported official advisories and precautionary measures near US military bases.
With sirens reportedly heard in parts of Israel and tensions escalating across the region, families in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are closely monitoring developments.
Authorities have urged passengers to stay updated through official airline communication channels as the situation remains fluid.