Will Udupi get its own Airport?

coastaldigest.com news network

September 28, 2017

In what could open up air transport opportunities in Udupi district, a private company has proposed an investment to the tune of Rs 500 crore for the construction of an airport in Byndoor taluk. If the state government and Airport Authority of India (AAI) come forward with a positive response and sufficient land, the establishment of an airport can be facilitated in the next few years.

Meanwhile, former minister and Kaup MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake, speaking at the World Tourism Day programme in Udupi on Wednesday said that the state government is planning on setting up an airport that would improve air connectivity in the coastal belt with Udupi district as the next destination in mind.

Construction of an airport is expected to increase the inflow of tourists to Udupi district. Attempts have been on from over a decade for the establishment of a small-scale airport at Ottinene in Byndoor. The attention of the state government was drawn towards this goal through the continued efforts of R N Shetty partnership firm and Shree Mookambika Temple authorities.

Byndoor already has a state-of-the-art railway station. Likewise, development of road transport facilities and four-laning of the national highway are being carried out.

Dozens of people from the nearby towns of Shiroor and Bhatkal arrive and depart for foreign countries on a daily basis via Mangaluru International Airport. A small-scale Airport at Byndoor or any other parts of Udupi will help these passengers to reach home early as the road trip consumes time.

The renowned shrine of Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur near Byndoor is also frequently visited by hundreds of devotees. If an airport is established in Byndoor, it will facilitate devotees and visitors from other states.

The proposal

With a keen interest on development of tourism and employment opportunities in the state, Supreme Group, a Mumbai based company has reportedly shown interest to invest in the establishment of an airport in Byndoor. Recently, the company had written to Byndoor MLA K Gopal Poojary expressing its willingness to invest a sum of Rs 500 crores, if the state government was ready to provide 250 acres of government land for this purpose. The government is yet to take a formal decision in this regard.

Aside from the establishment of an airport, there are ample opportunities for development of tourism and investment for companies in Byndoor as well as other coastal towns from Udupi to Karwar.

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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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