Goa Welcomes First TUI Charter Flight from Manchester with Nearly 300 Passengers; 20,000 UK Visitors Expected This Season
Four weekly TUI direct flights connecting Manchester and London Gatwick to Goa; 311 passengers scheduled to arrive from London Gatwick on November 5
Mopa, Goa | November 4, 2026: Goa today welcomed the first TUI-operated charter flight from Manchester for the 2026–27 tourist season, bringing nearly 300 passengers to Manohar International Airport, Mopa. The arrival marks the commencement of this season’s UK charter operations, with approximately 20,000 passengers expected to travel to Goa through Manchester and London Gatwick during the season.
TUI operates four direct flights per week to Goa, comprising two flights from Manchester and two from London Gatwick. The next charter flight, arriving from London Gatwick on November 5, is expected to bring another 311 passengers to the state, further strengthening Goa’s air connectivity with the United Kingdom.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “The arrival of the first TUI charter flight from Manchester marks an encouraging start to the UK charter season. Our continued association with international travel partners such as TUI is important in strengthening Goa’s accessibility and reach across key international markets. With approximately 20,000 passengers expected from these two UK gateways, we look forward to welcoming more British travellers and encouraging them to discover Goa’s diverse tourism offerings, including its heritage, culture, cuisine, hinterland and nature-based experiences.”
The passengers arriving from Manchester were welcomed with flowers and a traditional Goan welcome at the airport, offering them a warm introduction to the state’s hospitality.
Shri Kedar A. Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “The four weekly direct flights operated by TUI from Manchester and London Gatwick provide an important air connectivity link between the UK and Goa. With nearly 300 passengers arriving on the first Manchester charter and another 311 expected from London Gatwick tomorrow, the season is off to a positive start. We look forward to welcoming visitors from the UK and offering them memorable experiences across the state.”
With charter operations from both Manchester and London Gatwick, Goa continues to strengthen its presence in the UK tourism market for the 2026–27 season.
