As Karnataka observed a state-wide shutdown on Friday due to the Cauvery water dispute, at least 44 flights scheduled to take off and land at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport were cancelled, airport authority reports said.

It appears that 22 of these flights arrived in Bangalore and 22 departed from there. While some passengers complained about their tickets being canceled without prior notice, airport authorities said it was for operational reasons and passengers were informed promptly.

“We canceled 44 flights today. These include 22 incoming flights and an equal number of flights from Bangalore due to the strike,” an airport official told PTI. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) said there is only 59.88% bus operations in south Karnataka areas.

According to India Today, five pro-Kannada activists were arrested when they entered the airport premises with the Karnataka flag on the stage and created a ruckus inside the Kempegowda International Airport premises.

The protesters are said to have booked plane tickets to enter the airport.

Some passengers had a miserable time missing flights, buses and trains due to the airport being closed for a day. Many passengers expressed disappointment after flights and bus services were canceled. Karnataka Band was called upon by ‘Kannada Okkoota’ to protest against water release to Tamil Nadu. The protest received a positive response in Bangalore and other southern parts of the state on Friday, disrupting normal life.

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Bengaluru Urban, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagara, Ramanagara and Hassan districts and declared a holiday for schools and colleges. class. The bandh will be in effect from 6am to 6pm on Friday.

Most shops, commercial establishments and restaurants in Cauvery basin districts like Mandya in the south of the state have kept their shutters down.
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Private vehicles are prohibited from driving in these areas.
Cinema halls across the state have canceled movie screenings till evening, with the support of the Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association.

Most IT and other businesses in Bengaluru have asked their employees to work from home.