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MANGALORE: Passengers from Mangalore International Airport (MIA) to Gulf countries demand budget airlines in lines of Kerala. Passengers point out huge difference in the flight fare from MIA and that of airports in Kerala while requesting budget airlines.

According to Mangalore International Airport Users Forum the average flight fare to Calicut, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram from UAE countries is about 580 Dirhams (Approximately Rs 9,600). Meanwhile, it is almost four times higher, up to 2,000 Dirhams (Approximately Rs 33,000) to Mangalore from same countries. The forum demands that budget airlines flights that are being operated on Kerala - Gulf be introduced at MIA and also set up a grievance cell at the deputy commissioner’s office to solve various issues pertaining to MIA bound passengers.

Forum coordinator Prabhakara Ambalathere said that passengers, who take off or land at MIA are facing several types of harassments. "After several years of fight we considered ourselves fortunate when a flight landed at MIA eight years ago. Passengers from Gulf to Mangalore were all thrilled and happy to this achievement, but as days passed by, the service has become disappointing. While the fare is high on one side, flight operators restrict passengers from carrying baggage for more than 20 kg and even ’karimani’ (mangal sutra) of more than 4 sovereign are not allowed," he said.

While budget airlines to Gulf countries is a major demand, the forum also urges the authorities concerned to increase the luggage limit, proper handling of luggage, better treatment from air and ground staff and setting up of Non Resident Kannadiga Welfare Authority. "The forum is ready to manage a grievance cell, if the government set up an authority. It will be helpful to resolve various issues Mangaloreans and their counterparts in other districts of the state face while flying to Gulf and other countries," he said also urged the cancellation of airport users’ fee at MIA.

Protest on August 18: The forum in association with more than 30 UAE based organizations will hold sit on dharna near deputy commissioner’s office her on August 18.

Karnataka NRI Forum chief coordinator MR Vasudeva said that forum members will gather near Pumpwell Circle at 9am and proceed towards the Air India Express Flight 812 crash site. Later, protest will be held near DC office and a memorandum will be submitted to MIA director, Customs Commissioner, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and state ministers through the DC, he added.