Mangaluru Airport Grapples with Flight Disruption Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Air travel operations at Mangaluru International Airport experienced widespread disruption on Saturday following Israel's military strikes on Iran, which prompted immediate airspace closures and flight suspensions across international routes. The escalating conflict in the Middle East created a ripple effect, severely impacting flight schedules and passenger plans from the coastal city.
Flight Cancellations and Diversions at Mangaluru
Officials confirmed that Air India Express flight IX 831, en route from Mangaluru to Dubai, was forced to return to the bay after Iran's airspace closure came into effect. Similarly, another Air India Express service, IX 821 from Mangaluru to Qatar, was diverted to Mumbai due to the same airspace restrictions. IndiGo flight 6E 1467 from Mangaluru to Dubai was outright cancelled as a direct consequence of the closure.
Flight IX 831 was officially declared cancelled at 3 pm, leading to the deplaning of all 174 passengers and six crew members. The disruption extended to multiple other flights linked to the airspace restrictions, creating a significant logistical challenge for airlines and travelers alike.
Extensive List of Affected Flights
The airspace closures resulted in the cancellation of numerous flights operating to and from Mangaluru. The affected services include:
- IX 822 (Qatar–Mangaluru)
- IX 832 (Dubai–Mangaluru)
- IX 831 (Mangaluru–Dubai)
- IX 847 (Mangaluru–Dammam)
- IX 813 (Mangaluru–Dubai)
- IX 851 (Mangaluru–Kuwait)
- IX 815 (Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi)
- IndiGo 6E 1467 (Mangaluru–Dubai)
Airlines are actively adjusting schedules and rerouting flights in response to the evolving restrictions. Passengers have been strongly advised to check updated departure information before traveling to the airport to avoid inconvenience.
Airline Responses and Passenger Advisories
In an official announcement, Air India Express stated that its flights to the Gulf region are temporarily suspended until further notice. The airline is notifying impacted passengers using their registered contact details and urging travelers to ensure their contact information is up to date.
Passengers are encouraged to regularly check flight status updates on the airline's website for the latest information. The sudden suspension has left many travelers stranded or facing significant delays, highlighting the vulnerability of international air travel to geopolitical tensions.
Heightened Anxiety Among Expatriate Communities
The disruption has heightened anxiety among expatriates from coastal districts living in the Gulf region and Israel. Many from these communities rely on regular air connectivity between Mangaluru and Middle Eastern destinations for family visits and business travel.
Vincent Sequeira, an expatriate residing in Bahrain, expressed that residents were growing increasingly fearful as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated. The uncertainty surrounding air travel added to their concerns about safety and mobility.
Ajith Bangera, president of the Bahrain Kannada Sangha and a native of Katapadi, provided firsthand insight into the tense situation. He revealed that he was staying in Juffair, approximately 200 meters from a US airbase, and had received official warnings about potential attacks from Iran.
Authorities had proactively shared shelter locations in advance, prompting Bangera to temporarily relocate to his brother's home about 2 kilometers away as a precautionary measure.
Expatriates living in Israel, including many from coastal districts of Karnataka, reported hearing warning sirens throughout the day as tensions mounted. The combination of security concerns and travel disruptions created a challenging environment for the diaspora community.
The situation at Mangaluru International Airport underscores how regional conflicts can have immediate and tangible impacts on international travel infrastructure, affecting both operational logistics and passenger well-being across continents.
