As many as 44 flights have been cancelled at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru amid the statewide bandh called by Kannada Okkuta, an umbrella organisation for Kannada organisations, to protest against the release of Cauvery river water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
“44 flights including 22 arrivals and 22 departures have been cancelled today,” PRO, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, said, ANI reported.
Also Read: Karnataka bandh live updates
According to the details, the airport authorities said the flights were cancelled due to operational reasons and that the passengers were informed about the same in time.
However, sources said cancellations happened due to the Karnataka Bandh as many passengers had cancelled their tickets.
Five pro-Kannada activists were also taken into custody as they entered the airport premises with a Karnataka flag to stage a protest, India Today reported.
Also Read: Karnataka Bandh: Cabs, autos off roads; Schools, colleges shut | What’s open, what’s closed
Karnataka bandh
The bandh will be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday. Bengaluru city police have issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, not allowing people to hold rallies, protests, or congregations of more than five people. But Pro-Kannada organisations are likely to hit the streets.
More than 1,900 associations are supporting the bandh. Grocery shops and other non-essential shops in the state, including Bengaluru, are expected to remain closed but essential services like hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies will be operational.