Villagers detained for opposing MSEZ mud dumping, released

May 25, 2012

Mangalore, May 24: Residents of Melakoppala and Athrebailu areas near Kuloor, who gathered at the Phalguni River to oppose the mud dumping by MSEZ authorities, were briefly detained by the police and then released on Thursday.

The MSEZ personnel had been given police protection as per the orders of the Deputy Commissioner, DK, to carry out the pipeline project work along the river. When the villagers saw them continuing their work, they got furious and started opposing the move.

The police then arrested about 75 villagers and took them to Panambur and Surathkal police stations.

Those taken into custody included children and minors as well which prompted Asha Naik, Chairperson, child welfare committee, to visit the Surathkal police station. The villagers were then released by the police.

The villagers had held a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office on Wednesday condemning the inaction of the district administration in preventing the SEZ from carrying on the project. They had even met the Deputy Commissioner in his office complaining that he should not be acting as 'an SEZ agent'.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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