VASCO
Airport Director Gagan Malik on Thursday said there was no impact on tourism activity in the State amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict as charter flights from Russia were operating as per schedule bringing in international tourists into the State.
"There has been no cancellation of flights and Rossiya Airlines have been operating between Russia and Goa as per approved slots. In fact, one chartered flight arrived with around 506 passengers and took back 489 passengers,” Malik told reporters.
“As of now, no slots have been cancelled by the Rossiya Airlines charter flights and there is no impact on State tourism amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Charter flights from Kazakhstan are also operating and while there was civil unrest in their country, there was a small break and finally they changed the airport and are now operating regularly as per slots.”
The airport director said Charters from Russia are operating once in nine days, having taken nine slots and having used seven slots.
"There is no difference in air traffic here in the State there is no information till date on any relief flights coming to Goa or any slots have been asked for such relief flights.”
“In fact, Air India which was operating two flights a week to London has requested for another slot. We are looking into the third slot and its timings and very soon, we could have three flights a week to London.”
“We have had discussions with airlines like Oman Air and Qatar Airways that were operating from here and we have received information that they have filed for slots with the Government of India," added Malik.
