Mopa-London direct flights from Oct 26
Offering hope to Goan expats and British tourists, Air India indicated the resumption of direct flights from Mopa to London (Gatwick) from Oct 26. Air India, currently facing a shortage of aircraft, is expected to operate three flights per week.
The airline announced that the route will be operated thrice a week — on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays — using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Officials at Mopa's Manohar International Airport said that the private airline has slots for the direct flight and can resume operations whenever feasible for the airline.
The airline's website has opened up bookings for the direct flight, with economy fares beginning at Rs 31,300 for a one-way flight to London on Oct 26.
'Air India has not cancelled their slots with us. They still have the slots for the London flights, and they can resume operations as soon as they want,' said GMR Goa International Airport Ltd official.
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade had mentioned the need to restore the Goa–London Gatwick flight during the Zero Hour in Parliament.
Air India launched the non-stop flight to London in July 2023 with three flights per week.
The flight offered a vital travel link for thousands of Goans, including students and senior citizens, living in the UK.
The suspension of the flight following the crash at Ahmedabad caused inconvenience to Goans travelling to London. Air India is currently undergoing a $400 million fleet-wide refurbishment programme, with a significant focus on upgrading its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and the Boeing 777 aircraft. This modernisation programme, which will continue well into 2027, has proved to be a challenge for the airline in terms of operational deployment.
Resumption of the direct flights to London comes just as Goa's charter season picks up and tourism inflows commence for the travel season.
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