Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Nov 10: Dubai-bound passengers at the Mangalore airport had to face a lot of inconvenience following the cancellation of the evening flight on Thursday, November 10 due to unavoidable circumstances.
Sources close to Air India told daijiworld that around 100 passengers who were supposed to fly by the 9.30 pm AI Express flight will be now accommodated on the Friday morning flight which is scheduled for take off at 11.50.
It is learnt that many of the passengers were informed in advance over the phone and email about the cancellation of the evening flight. It was not a last moment decision, AI sources told daijiworld.
The passengers who entered incorrect local numbers could not be contacted, it is learnt, hence they arrived at the airport on time. But Air India has reserved some rooms in city hotels to accommodate people who have come from far.
A couple who spoke to daijiworld from the airport said that they had an important event to attend in Dubai, and must reach Dubai by 11 am on Friday. They are likely to miss the event as the Friday flight lands after 12.30 pm. "We are hugely disappointed, and do not know what to do," they said.
Another passenger said that he had been informed in advance, so he could relax. He was assured that priority would be given to ensure that he could be accommodated on Friday morning flight.
The cancellation of the flight has raised eyebrows, as the exact reason was not officially given. A strike planned by pilots could well be one of the reasons.
The official reason for the cancellation is still awaited.