The Hindu

Mangalore, May 15: The Karnataka NRI Forum, UAE, has appealed to the authorities of the Air India Express, a low cost airline of Air India, to start the inaugural flight between Dubai and Mangalore on May 28 and begin regular service on this route from June l.

In a letter to the commercial manager of the Air India Express, a copy of which was released to the press, coordinator of the forum Rajesh Sequeira said that the timing of the proposed flight could be between 6 am and 8 am or between 5 pm and 7 pm. This timing would be convenient for passengers, he added.

The forum said that May 3, 2006 is a memorable day in the annals of Mangalore airport as the centre declared it as a customs airport. The forum has learnt from reliable sources that the customs and immigration facilities (counters) at the Bajpe airport in Mangalore will be ready by May 21.

This will clear all hurdles to facilitate the landing and take off of inaugural flights.