PANAJI
Goans in Oman have reacted with shock and dismay, after Oman Air stopped direct flights between Goa and Muscat at Manohar International Airport, Mopa. The absence of direct flights has now forced passengers to depend on connecting flights to travel between Goa and Muscat. Incidentally, Oman Air had earlier provided direct connectivity between Goa and Muscat at Dabolim International Airport, providing convenient flight connectivity to thousands of Goans working in Oman.
Then in October 2023, Oman Air switched flight operations to Manohar International Airport, becoming the first foreign airline to offer flights to and from Mopa Airport. At one time, Oman Air had even operated four flights per week between Mopa airport and Muscat.
When contacted, Savio Carvalho, convener of the Indian Social Club Goan Wing at Oman, said the stoppage of operations of Oman Air between Muscat and Goa has severely affected all Goans in Oman.
“We enjoyed their services for many years and the credit goes to the founder members of the Indian Social Club Goan Wing who had convinced Oman Air to start operations to Goa,” said Carvalho.
“Unfortunately, after changing the airport from Dabolim to Mopa, the airlines decided to stop the flights. All our Goans are facing problems with long waiting hours for connecting flights and flights are also gone expensive.”
“Some Goans have prepared a signed memorandum to present to Oman Air, but the airlines officials say that the Goa route is not profitable and that's one of the reasons for the cancellation of the flight.”
“It would really be appreciated if the Tourism Department in Goa can intervene and help to resume the flights between Muscat and Goa,” Carvalho added.
