Gulf shuts airspace, flight operations to Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait disrupted amid rising tensions
Flights from Mangaluru to gulf diverted
Mangaluru: Amidst tensions in the Middle East, an attack on a US air base in Qatar has resulted in the closure of Qatari and Bahraini airspace. This has affected flight operations from different airports across the country to the gulf nations.
Alongside the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait has also reportedly shut its airspace, and several international airlines have redrawn their flight paths. According to data from FlightRadar24 accessed by The Economic Times, multiple global carriers have altered flight paths across the Persian Gulf following US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, causing widespread disruption to air travel across the region.
Flight tracking data revealed that airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel remained largely empty, as airlines sought alternative routes. The global aviation monitoring group Safe Airspace has warned of heightened risks due to missile and drone activity, posing serious threats to commercial flights, especially those operated by US carriers.
Operations to Gulf disrupted from Mangaluru airport
Flight services from Mangaluru to Gulf destinations have also been affected. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines to confirm the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
An Air India Express flight bound for Dammam was diverted to Muscat. Meanwhile, an IndiGo flight headed for Abu Dhabi was rerouted and landed in Mumbai, sources confirmed.
A passenger aboard the Dammam-bound flight stated that the aircraft had landed in Muscat, but passengers were not allowed to disembark. "If permission is granted, we will disembark here. Otherwise, the aircraft may refuel and return to Mangaluru," the passenger told Varthabharati.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
