Manohar International Airport, Goa‘s new airport situated in Mopa is all set to start international flight operations from next week. Tata Group-owned full-service carrier Air India has announced that it will operate three times weekly flights to Gatwick in London from July 21.
Sharing the information, the airline in a tweet said that the new flight will give also give tribute to the legendary Goan artist, Mario Miranda. “We now fly from the newly launched @miagoaairport to Gatwick 3X weekly. (From 21st July 2023) To celebrate, a tribute to Mario Miranda – our favourite artist from Goa and forever a part of the Air India art legacy. Air India is the first carrier to fly internationally from the Manohar International Airport, Goa,” Air India mentioned in the tweet.
Kanwarbir Singh Kalra, Dy CEO, GMR Goa International Airport, expressed joy over the announcement of the first international flights from the airport and thanked Air India and other stakeholders for the support and good wishes. The Airport is managed and operated by The GMR Group.
According to sources, Air India is gradually shifting its international flight operations to the Mopa airport from the Dabolim airport. The airline currently operates three times weekly flights to Gatwick from Dabolim which is all set to be operational from the new Manohar international airport. However, Air India is yet to comment on the development.
The move comes amidst the approval given to the new Goa airport to operate international flights. On July 12, the central government issued a Gazette notification notifying the designation of the Mopa airport as an authorised immigration check point for entry into and exit from India with valid documents for all class of passengers.
With roads now clear for Mopa airport, more airlines are expected to start international flights from the airport or shift operations from the Dabolim airport. The Goa International airport in Dabolim currently operates international flight from Air India, Oman Air and Qatar Airways. But civilian flight operations remain curtailed for certain hours with the airport also being used by Indian Navy.
With this new addition, Air India’s operations in the UK will increase to a total of 49 flights per week. The airline currently operates 43 flights to London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and six to Birmingham. Additionally, Air India operates 31 weekly flights to Heathrow in London from Delhi and Mumbai.
“The calendar for travel shows and events for the upcoming tourism year was finalized during the Board meeting. Goa has to project itself as a destination beyond beaches in these countries. The state tourism department is promoting festivals like Sao Joao, Chikal Khalo (mud festival) and others so that tourists can enjoy Goa beyond beaches,” Khaunte said.
Reacting on the announcement and how it will impact tourism in Goa, Nilesh Shah, President, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said the industry expects more airlines to start international flight operations from Goa with more slots and opportunities to carry passengers.
“It is a welcome step that Mopa airport is going international. We would love to have more airlines coming to Goa and Dabolim airport also continuing international flight operations to help overall growth of tourism industry in Goa.
The Mopa airport can also become a hub for the international airlines. A lot of slots are up for grab and airlines should take advantage of it and bring in more connectivity for passengers coming to Goa and also for visitors who want to explore other parts of the country,” he said.
