Metal Falcon's dream flight comes true on April 3

[email protected] (CD Network)
April 2, 2013
airindiaexpress
Mangalore, Apr 2: Amidst the fears about a reported imminent exodus of thousands of Indian expatriates from Saudi Arabia following the Nitaqat implementation, a long pending dream of these hard working people is all set to come true, finally.

Milestone

When the Air India Express' first direct flight from Mangalore to Saudi Arabia takes off on Wednesday, April 3, it will be an important milestone in the growth trajectory of more than six decades old airport, and of Mangalore.

As per schedule, from April 3, Air India Express will operate flights twice a week from Mangalore to Dammam, the capital of Eastern province of Saudi Arabia - on Wednesday and Saturday and the return flight leaving Dammam - on Thursday and Sunday.

Schedule

The flight IX 385 on Wednesdays and Saturdays will arrive at Mangalore International Airport at 4:00 p.m. local time and depart at 5:00 p.m. It will reach at Dammam at 7:10 p.m. local time. The return flight IX 386 will depart from Dammam at 8:30 p.m. local time and arrive at Mangalore at 3:20 a.m. local time on Thursdays and Sundays.

Significance

Establishment of direct aviation link between this portal city and the kingdom has been a long-felt need, frequently expressed by thousands of expatriates from Southwest coast of India scattered across the oil-rich nation. Since its inception, Coastaldigest.com had campaigned for the fulfillment of this long pending dream.

This aviation route not only beneficial for mere Mangaloreans, but also would help over two lakh expatriates from entire Costal Karnataka, North Kerala and a part of Western Ghat region, for whom Mangalore is the nearest Airport to access.

Passenger estimation

A survey conducted by Coastaldigest.com, has found out that around 60% of these expatriates travel once in a year to their home land. About 25% of them (businessmen and executives) are frequent travellers. About 15% of them travel at least once in two years. Besides, hundreds of families from South West Coast of India often visit their relatives in Saudi Arabia. Children of NRI parents students studying in India to visit their parents in Saudi Arabia every year. A large number of students from Saudi Arabia are pursuing their higher education in various prestigious educational institutions in Mangalore, Udupi and other cities of South West Coast of India.

The number of passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and Southwest Coast of India for the purpose of tourism and health has been increasing with every passing year. Moreover, thousands of Muslims from Southwest Coast of India undertake pilgrimage to Saudi Arabian city of Makkah every year.

All these factors highlight the importance of Mangalore-Saudi air connection.

Revenue

So far the nearest international airport for the people of this region to reach Saudi Arabia was at Kozhikode in the South, Bangalore in the East, and Mumbai or Delhi in the North.

According to experts, the new connection would not only contribute to the air traffic growth at Mangalore International Airport, but also would enhance the airline's revenue.

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News Network
November 22,2025

Mangaluru: Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H has warned of strict action against individuals spreading rumours and attempting to create insecurity within the Muslim community and fuel hatred between Hindus and Muslims through social media.

Referring to a recent social media post alleging that police personnel had entered a masjid premises to check whether beef was being cooked, the commissioner said miscreants were attempting to push their communal agenda. 

“A group of people, both from Mangaluru and abroad, are trying hard to spread rumours. For the past 10 days, they have been attempting to rake up old issues, highlight routine matters as controversies, or fabricate news altogether,” he said.

He reiterated that any such attempts to disturb communal harmony would invite legal action. “Cases will be registered and the accused will be brought to book,” he stated.

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News Network
November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bantwal: A domestic dispute appears to have led to a violent confrontation in BC Road area, where the owner of a textile shop was allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife on Wednesday evening.

Krishna Kumar Somayaji, the owner of Somayaji Textiles, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit and is reported to have survived the assault, according to police.

The Bantwal Town police have registered a case against Somayaji's wife, Jyothi KT, who has since been taken into custody.

Police stated that the complainant, Namita, an employee at the shop, reported the sequence of events. She stated that around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspect entered the shop, wearing a burqa and disguised as a customer, before attacking Somayaji with a knife. The employee then transported the injured owner to a local hospital via an autorickshaw.

Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that an ongoing domestic dispute between Somayaji and his wife reportedly preceded the attack. Police noted that Jyothi KT had previously visited the shop and issued threats.

Based on the complaint, Bantwal Town police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Arms Act-1959. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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