The tourists were welcomed with traditional Goan hospitality at Mopa Airport.
PERNEM
The year-end peak tourism season in the State kicked off on Thursday with the arrival of the first charter flight from Novosibirsk, Russia, at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
The passengers were welcomed with traditional Goan hospitality, which included cultural performances like Samayi Dance, Ghodemodni, and Dhangar Dance; a brass band; and floral greetings.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, Deputy Director of Tourism Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Tourist Officer Chitra Vengurlekar, Senior Vice-President of Concord Exotic Voyages Sheik Ismail and Vice-President of Minar Group Shubert Reinald Colaco welcomed the guests.
This season will witness the introduction of three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk, Russia, landing at Mopa Airport. These additional services, together with the existing flights from Yekaterinburg and Moscow, increase Aeroflot’s operations to nine flights per week.
The second 158-seater charter flight from Novosibirsk will land in Goa on October 3 at 6 am. Yekaterinburg will connect to Goa with B737-800 flights carrying 158 passengers each, arriving on October 4 at 6.05 am and again on October 5 at 8.05 am.
Adding further capacity, a direct service from Moscow on the larger A330-300 aircraft, offering 296 seats, is scheduled to arrive on October 5 at 9 am.
Expanding beyond Russia, international connectivity will be further enhanced as charter flights from Kazakhstan begin operations to Goa from October 25.
The expanded network is expected to significantly increase the flow of international tourists into the state, particularly during the high-demand year-end season. This development opens new avenues for inbound tourism, and with more frequent connections, the charter flights will play a vital role in boosting tourist arrivals, supporting the State’s hospitality sector, and creating wider economic opportunities for local businesses.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said Goa is ready to welcome tourists as the peak season begins.
“The arrival of the first charter flight reaffirms Goa’s position as a preferred global destination. With enhanced safety, infrastructure, and immersive experiences, we are committed to ensuring that every visitor feels the warmth of Goan hospitality while discovering the unique blend of culture, traditions, and natural beauty our State offers."
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik added that the arrival of the first charter flights signals stronger connectivity for Goa.
“This growth opens new opportunities for our local tourism stakeholders, from hospitality to transport, and ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared widely across the State,” he said.
