Tag: Manohar International Airport

Travel

Almaty Charter Service Begins with First Seasonal Flight Arrival at Mopa Airport

allycaralgoa

Panaji, December 26, 2025: Continuing the steady inflow of international tourists this season, the first seasonal charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, arrived at Manohar International Airport (MOPA) on December 26, 2025, at 10:25 a.m. The flight, operated by Fly Arystan, carried 174 passengers, further strengthening Goa’s international tourism footprint.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, extended a warm and traditional welcome to the arriving passengers with rose buds and a lively brass band performance outside the arrival terminal, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s renowned hospitality and vibrant culture.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, highlighted the importance of expanding global air connectivity, stating that engaging new international source markets and encouraging seasonal charter operations are vital for Goa’s planned and sustainable tourism growth. He noted that the commencement of charter services from Almaty reflects increasing global confidence in Goa as a preferred travel destination.

Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the arrival of the first Almaty charter flight marks a valuable addition to the season’s international charter operations, helping maintain consistent tourist inflows throughout the peak travel period.

The seasonal charter service from Almaty is expected to further boost international arrivals and support balanced tourism development across Goa during the ongoing tourist season.

Travel

Direct Flights from Uzbekistan Resume, Boosting Goa’s Global Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s international tourism landscape received a significant boost with the resumption of direct flights from Uzbekistan. On December 3, an A-320 aircraft arrived at Manohar International Airport, Mopa from Tashkent with 121 passengers, symbolizing renewed connectivity and the strengthening of ties between the two destinations.

This development reinforces Goa’s appeal as a preferred global travel hotspot and enhances convenience for visitors from Central Asia. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted that the restored route amplifies Goa’s international connectivity and contributes to the state’s ongoing efforts to expand into new global markets. He emphasized that such initiatives pave the way for seamless travel and deeper engagement between regions. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated that the renewed connection reflects the trust that global partners continue to place in Goa’s tourism potential.

According to him, it improves outreach efforts and offers visitors from Uzbekistan easier access to Goa’s culture, festivals, and diverse experiences. With the reinstated service, Goa strengthens its focus on cultural exchange, leisure travel, and future collaborations. This milestone aligns with the state’s larger vision of broadening its international footprint through sustained partnerships and targeted global promotions.

The return of direct flights marks a promising chapter in Goa’s evolving tourism growth story, enhancing accessibility while inviting more international travelers to discover the state’s unique charm.

Travel

Goa Tourism Welcomes First UK Charter Arrivals for Winter 2025–26 Season

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Panaji; November 6, 2025: Goa marked the grand commencement of its Winter 2025–26 charter season with the arrival of TUI Airways flights from the United Kingdom at Manohar International Airport (Mopa).

The first charter from Manchester touched down on November 5, bringing 282 passengers, followed by another from London Gatwick on November 6, carrying 288 passengers. The services were managed under the supervision of Freedom Holidays Pvt. Ltd., significantly enhancing Goa’s direct international connectivity.

With direct routes from Manchester Airport (MAN) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Manohar International Airport (GOX), Goa is now better positioned to welcome travellers seeking cultural, wellness, spiritual, and adventure-based tourism experiences.

Welcoming the flights, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“The start of the charter season by TUI Airways reflects the continued interest Goa enjoys among travellers from the United Kingdom. As we expand our global reach, our endeavour is to offer experiences rooted in cultural ethos while supporting local communities and sustainable growth. We look forward to a promising season ahead.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“This development further strengthens international travel in Goa. We remain committed to working with partners to deliver a smooth, responsible, and enriching experience for visitors.”

This collaboration underscores Goa’s growing appeal as a long-haul travel destination and reinforces its reputation for cultural warmth, hospitality, and community-centred tourism.

As the charter season unfolds, Goa Tourism continues its efforts to enhance arrival experiences, build stronger partnerships, and promote Goa as a vibrant, year-round destination.

🌐 Source: Department of Tourism, Government of Goa
📍 Story by Allycaral – Connecting Global

Travel

Goa Boosts Global Tourism with Arrival of International Charter Flights

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is soaring to new heights on the international tourism map with the recent arrival of multiple international charter flights at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa. This development marks a significant milestone in expanding the state’s global connectivity and attracting tourists from key international markets.

On October 3, 2025, the second 158-seater charter flight from Novosibirsk, Russia, landed in Goa, signaling the beginning of a strong inbound travel season. The following days saw a continued influx, with flights from Yekaterinburg arriving on October 4 and 5, each bringing 158 passengers eager to explore the charm of Goa. Adding to the momentum, a larger flight from Moscow carrying 296 passengers arrived on October 5, further reinforcing Goa’s position as a gateway to India for global travellers.

International connectivity is set to expand even further with the launch of charter flights from Kazakhstan beginning October 25, 2025. These routes are expected to boost travel from Central Asia, offering tourists a direct link to the sun, sand, and culture of Goa.

Speaking about the milestone, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, shared: “The arrival of these international charter flights is a clear reflection of Goa’s growing appeal as a global destination. We are committed to providing world-class experiences, warm hospitality, and seamless connectivity to ensure that every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.”

Echoing the sentiment, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, remarked: “The landing of these charter flights marks a key step in expanding Goa’s global accessibility. They also pave the way for greater engagement between travellers and Goa’s local culture and heritage.”

The Department of Tourism continues to work in close coordination with various stakeholders to ensure hassle-free operations and deliver the signature Goan welcome to all travellers. These efforts are not only boosting the economy but also elevating Goa’s reputation as a destination where leisure, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly.

With increasing international arrivals and strategic connectivity initiatives, Goa is set to further cement its place on the global travel map.

Travel

GMR Goa Air Cargo Handles First-Ever NCPOR Expedition Charter to Antarctica

Tanisha Cardozo

GMR Goa Air Cargo Logistic (GGACL), operating from Manohar International Airport (MIA), has achieved a major milestone by handling its first-ever expedition non-scheduled cargo charter movement for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), headquartered in Vasco, Goa.

This specialized operation involved the deployment of the IL-76 freighter aircraft, nicknamed “Gajraj” — a massive Soviet-designed, four-engine turbofan airlifter known for its exceptional heavy-lift capacity. The aircraft took off from MIA carrying critical expedition materials including medicines, food supplies, and essential commodities for the ongoing Indian Antarctic Expedition, with a scheduled route via Cape Town, South Africa.

This event marks the first time an IL-76 aircraft has departed from Manohar International Airport, showcasing the airport’s capability to handle large-scale, specialized cargo operations. Known for its reliability in transporting heavy equipment and operating in extreme conditions, the IL-76 was an ideal choice for the mission supporting India’s polar research.

Notably, this is the third specialized cargo charter movement handled by GGACL in the last two years — underlining its growing reputation as a preferred logistics hub for critical and time-sensitive cargo operations. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced cargo handling capabilities, and a strong track record of execution, GGACL continues to raise the bar in air freight excellence.

This successful collaboration with NCPOR reinforces GGACL’s role not just in commercial logistics, but also in supporting national and scientific missions of international importance — cementing Manohar International Airport’s role as a strategic gateway for global operations.