Mangaluru bound Air India Express flight yet to leave from Dammam Airport after over 18-hour delay
Mangaluru: Passengers bound for Mangaluru were left stranded and frustrated as an Air India Express flight scheduled to depart from Dammam International Airport faced extensive delays, lasting over 18 hours. The flight, initially set for takeoff at 10:20 pm on Wednesday night, had yet to depart by Thursday evening, prompting complaints from travelers who alleged a lack of communication from the airline.
According to passengers, Air India Express notified them of the flight's cancellation around midnight, promising a rescheduled departure on Thursday morning at 11 am. This unexpected announcement led to significant inconvenience for weary passengers who had been waiting at the airport.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, one passenger revealed the challenges they faced in arranging accommodation, particularly for those who had traveled from distant locations to catch the flight. The airline reportedly failed to provide any assistance, including arrangements for food or accommodation.
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Adding to the ordeal, passengers arriving at the airport on Thursday morning were allowed to board the flight. However, after half an hour on board, they were unexpectedly deboarded, with the flight experiencing further delays. Passengers claimed that, as of 3 pm (Saudi time), authorities had not provided any updates on the status of their flight.
Expressing frustration, passengers highlighted the lack of responsiveness from Air India Express officials, who allegedly did not address inquiries about the prolonged delay. The situation left women, children, senior citizens, and patients waiting without proper provisions for over 18 hours.
The route from Dammam to Mangaluru is popular among individuals from Coastal Karnataka and neighboring Kerala due to the direct flight connection between the two airports. Vartha Bharati's attempts to reach Air India Express authorities for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The news will be updated upon receiving an official statement from Air India Express.
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CPI leader attends RSS-organised Hindu meet, district unit seeks clarification
Manjeshwar: The participation of a CPI leader in a Hindu convention organised by the RSS has triggered discussion in political circles.
Sundari Shetty, former president of Meenja panchayat and a district committee member of the CPI in Kasaragod, attended the Hindu gathering held in Meenja. She offered floral tribute to a portrait of Bharat Mata and also addressed the gathering from the stage, which has led to controversy.
Following the development, the CPI district unit has issued a notice to Sundari Shetty seeking an explanation. Party sources said that the presence of a senior leader of a party that follows communist ideology at a Hindu convention has caused unease within the party.
There are indications that disciplinary action may be initiated against her in connection with the incident.
