Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight of 2026–27 Tourism Season from Russia; Manchester to Follow
First charter arrival marks the beginning of Goa’s international charter season; UK and Kazakhstan connectivity to follow
Dabolim, Goa, September 30, 2026: Goa has officially commenced its 2026–27 tourism season with the arrival of the season’s first charter flight from Yekaterinburg, Russia, carrying 162 passengers to Goa International Airport, Dabolim on Wednesday.
The arrival marks the start of another important winter charter programme for Goa and, strengthens the State’s connectivity with one of its most established international source markets. This Russian programme is being operated through Aeroflot services connecting Goa with Yekaterinburg and Moscow, supported by Concord Exotic Voyages (India) Pvt. Ltd. and the Minar Group, who welcomed the passengers as part of the ongoing Russia-Goa charter partnership.
The programme will initially operate with five flights per week, with frequency expected to increase to nine flights per week from mid-October 2026.
Significantly, this year’s first charter has arrived in September, earlier than in recent years when the international charter season typically commenced in the first or second week of October.
This will be followed by another charter with 285 passengers from Moscow on October 4 to Goa International Airport, Dabolim.
The Russian arrivals will be followed by the commencement of Goa’s UK charter programme in November. A Le Passage to India (TUI Group) charter from Manchester, currently carrying approximately 285 passengers based on bookings to date, is scheduled to arrive in Goa on November 4 followed by another charter from Gatwick, further strengthening connectivity with the United Kingdom, one of Goa’s longstanding international source markets. Charter services from Kazakhstan are also expected to commence during the coming weeks, adding to the international visitor mix for the 2026–27 tourism season.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said: “The arrival of the first charter flight from Russia marks the beginning of Goa’s international charter season for 2026–27. Our approach is to strengthen these traditional source markets while simultaneously widening Goa’s international footprint. As connectivity grows, we also want international travellers to discover more of Goa — our heritage, culture, wellness, nature, cuisine, spirituality and the diverse experiences that lie beyond our beaches. Our focus is on building Goa as a better-connected, responsible and year-round global destination.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar A. Naik, said: “We are pleased to welcome the first charter flight of the 2026–27 season from Russia. International charters remain an important part of Goa’s tourism ecosystem, supporting hotels, tour operators, travel agents, transport providers and several other stakeholders connected with the visitor economy. The planned increase in frequencies from Russia, together with charter services from the UK, Kazakhstan and other markets, will further strengthen Goa’s international connectivity during the season.”
The Russian passengers received a traditional Goan welcome on arrival, with flowers and a brass band welcoming them to the State. The arrival created a festive atmosphere at the airport as visitors stepped into Goa’s warm tropical weather at the start of their holiday. With Russian operations now underway and additional charter services from the UK and Kazakhstan expected during the coming weeks, Goa enters the 2026–27 international tourism season with connectivity across multiple key source markets.
Sheik Ismail, Senior Vice President, Concord Exotic Voyages, said: “The commencement of the Russian charter programme is a positive start to Goa’s 2026–27 international tourism season. Goa continues to enjoy strong recognition in the Russian market, and the response to the season has been very encouraging. With services from Moscow and Yekaterinburg now open and, frequencies expected to increase as the season progresses, we look forward to bringing in more travellers and offering them the diverse experiences the State has to offer.”
Shubert Colaco, Vice President, Minar Group added, “We are delighted to welcome the first charter arrival from Russia. Our continued partnership with a leading Russian tour operator endeavours to further strength the Russia-Goa connection. We look forward to a successful charter season ahead.”
Nahush Bargi, Assistant Vice President, Le Passage to India (TUI Group), said: “The mood across the industry is positive as we enter the new charter season, and there is a great deal of excitement among travellers about visiting Goa. The upcoming charter arrivals from Manchester and Gatwick will further strengthen Goa’s connection with the UK market. We are seeing continued interest in Goa as a holiday destination, and we look forward to a strong season ahead.”
The State looks forward to welcoming international travellers and encouraging them to experience the many dimensions of Goa — from its coastline and cuisine to its villages, heritage, spirituality, wellness, nature and culture.
