Flights diverted as fog causes reduced visibility

March 16, 2011

Mangalore, March 16: The Mangalore airport was engulfed by a thick blanket of fog early on Wednesday morning, something unusual at this time of the year. Many flights were diverted due to reduced visibility as a result.

The IXE 816 Abu Dhabi -Muscat flight which was scheduled to arrive at 10.20 am, at Mangalore Airport, arrived early at 9.30 am and landed after visibility improved at 9.45 am, official sources said.

Two domestic flights from Bangalore, Kingfisher and Jet, scheduled to land between 8.15 am and 8.30 am respectively, were diverted back to Bangalore and landed at around 11 am.

Though the IXE 814 Dubai flight landed at 6:25 am, the visibility reduced drastically ten minutes afterwards and the IXE 390 Kuwait flight, scheduled to land at 7:40 am was diverted to Calicut. It landed here at 10.20 am, after the airport authority indicated that the visibility improved at 9.15 am

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Stranded, hungry, and helpless: Last-minute cancellation of Dammam flight sparks chaos at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.

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