Doha: AI Express’ Mangalore-bound Direct Flight Touches Sky

Reena Castelino for Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Mar 25: The first direct flight from Doha, Bahrain to Mangalore has taken off from Doha International Airport.
The direct flight was flagged off in the Doha at 2.30pm local time on Sunday, March 25.
The flight of delight finally made its way into the sky with high hopes for a hassle-free air travel between the two regions. A modest traditional inaugural ceremony was held in Doha wherein the Indian Ambassador in Doha Dr George Joseph cut the cake.
Clad in traditional Indian dance costumes (Bharatanatyam), children accorded a truly Indian honour to the first flight. Community members and representatives of different communities were present for the function. The Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) was represented by Rocky Fernandes who is also the vice-president of ICC.
Thirtyone passengers have boarded the flight to Mangalore. M S Abdul Salam from Managudde, the first male passenger to check in receiving the boarding pass from the Indian Ambassador. Salam said he was very happy to travel and deemed it a privilege to be on the maiden direct flight. He also said that he had postponed his travel to Mangalore as he wanted to travel on the maiden flight.
At the Doha International Airport, a festive mood was seen. Mangalore-bound passengers were seen eager to step into the maiden direct flight to Mangalore.
People were seen greeting each other as this was a long cherish dream and had finally taken shape. Indeed a red lettered day, the direct flight from the shores of Doha Bahrain has become a milestone in the history of Air India service in the Middle East.
The Andrade family from Ferrar was the first family to check in. Residing in Qatar for the past 10 years the family said that it was a proud moment for all the Mangaloreans.
Seetharam Shetty from Boloor who is residing in Qatar for the past 15 years said that the travel was a dream come true as he can travel to his hometown directly.
The Mendonca family was the first to purchase the tickets from Doha. Brothers Kanar Vishwanath and Jayaram Kadri the owners of the famous Akshaya and Canara Jewellary in Doha also traveled in the direct flight to Mangalore.