Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 5: Travellers who were supposed to fly from Mangaluru to Mumbai between July 12 and September 30, and had booked tickets on Air India are inconvenienced with the flights cancelling operations between the two destinations to facilitate Haj operations.

The travellers are irked, that the flight cancellation was announced at the last minute, forcing many to re-book flights on other airlines paying exorbitant last minute fee. Passengers say that the flight staff started intimating passengers from June 26, which gives them a small window to reschedule or accommodate changes in their travel plan.

Information on Air India website

Apart from the last minute intimation, the passengers are annoyed that the airline kept the bookings open in the first place. “Haj operations happen annually, and the airline should have considered this fact when they kept the booking opening. When they are not in a position to operate, why did they keep bookings open during the said dates? We have paid money in advance, and also got confirmed tickets. Changes in travel plans in the last minute are difficult,” says a passenger.

Another passenger says that he had booked Air India, as they had announced early bird sale and he got a flight ticket to Mumbai for a cheaper amount. He has a connecting flight from Mumbai to a foreign destination. Also, Air India allows 25 kgs luggage compared to the 15 kgs offered by private airlines. “Now, I have to shell out much more. The last minute fares in other airlines are almost double and I have to also pay extra for luggage,” he says.

Air India Mangaluru Station Manager Satish Kalatage has confirmed to a newspaper that the flights have been cancelled due to operational reasons. However, he says he has to yet receive the official communication.

When one visits the official Air India website, flights are shown not available from July 12 onwards between Mangaluru and Mumbai.