PANAJI
Goa’s winter tourism season is gathering international momentum, with 189 passengers arriving from Kazakhstan aboard the first charter flight from the Central Asian country for the 2026-27 season.
The flight arrived at Dabolim airport from Almaty, marking the commencement of SCAT Airlines’ charter operations from Kazakhstan for the season, officials said on Saturday.
The development is expected to strengthen Goa’s international tourism connectivity and attract more visitors from emerging markets across Central Asia during the winter holiday period.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte described the arrival as an encouraging development for Goa’s international tourism outreach, highlighting the potential of Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region as emerging source markets.
“Goa will continue to focus on strengthening international connectivity while promoting its cultural heritage, culinary experiences, wellness offerings and hospitality,” Khaunte said.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the arrival from Almaty added to Goa’s international charter operations for the season. The Department of Tourism will continue to work with airlines, tour operators and industry stakeholders to promote Goa as an international holiday destination, he added.
Goa’s international charter season had commenced on September 30 with the arrival of the first charter flight from Moscow. Operated by Aeroflot Airlines, the flight landed at Dabolim airport at 7.15 am, bringing 162 Russian visitors to the coastal state.
With around 33,000 charter passengers arriving at Dabolim during the previous season, the figure is expected to rise to 45,000 this season, reflecting the state’s efforts to expand its international tourism reach.
