Goa’s international charter tourism season for 2026-27 got off to a promising start on Wednesday 30 September with the arrival of the first international charter flight operated by Aeroflot at Goa International Airport, Dabolim.
The inaugural charter flight was welcomed with traditional Goan hospitality, featuring live Goan music, a welcome with rose petals and a cake-cutting ceremony.
Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Protocol, Hospitality and Legislative Affairs, Government of Goa, welcomed the arriving international passengers along with Flt Lt Akash Deep, Airport Director, representatives of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Goa Tourism Department and other airport stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Flt Lt Akash Deep, Airport Director, Goa International Airport, said that, Dabolim Airport has consistently served as a gateway that reflects Goa’s warmth, culture and hospitality. He expressed his delight at welcoming international tourists arriving on the first Aeroflot charter flight of the season.
With the commencement of the charter season, the airport has made necessary arrangements to handle the anticipated increase in international passenger traffic. Dedicated immigration counters have been strengthened, customs clearance processes streamlined and ground support services enhanced to ensure a swift and seamless experience for arriving passengers. He also reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to providing efficient services and ensuring passenger convenience.
The commencement of charter flight operations marks an important beginning to the new tourism season and is expected to further strengthen Goa’s international tourism connectivity.
The resumption of Aeroflot’s charter services has been facilitated through sustained coordination and efforts by the Airports Authority of India with the concerned civil aviation authorities, the airline and ground handling agencies.
Airports Authority of India has undertaken concerted efforts to ensure the availability of necessary operational infrastructure, efficient ground handling and smooth passenger movement for international charter arrivals at Dabolim.
Russian tourists have traditionally constituted an important segment of international visitors to Goa. The resumption of Aeroflot’s charter services is expected to provide fresh momentum to the tourism sector, benefiting hotels and beach resorts in North and South Goa, local transport operators, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.
Goa International Airport, Dabolim, operated by the Airports Authority of India, plays an important role in connecting the State with major domestic and international destinations. Airports Authority of India continues to focus on upgrading airport infrastructure, enhancing passenger amenities and supporting the growth of the civil aviation and tourism sectors in Goa.
