A festive start to the winter season signals strong momentum for India’s international tourism as Goa opens its skies to the world once again
India’s tourism season has begun on a high note, with Goa marking the arrival of the season’s first international charter flight – a clear signal that the country’s winter tourism economy is roaring back to life. The flight, arriving from Yekaterinburg, Russia, touched down at Goa International Airport, Dabolim on Wednesday carrying 162 excited holidaymakers, greeted with flowers, a brass band, and the warmth that has long made Goa a favourite among international travellers.
The early arrival is itself a good omen. This year’s first charter landed in September – earlier than in recent years, when the international charter season has typically commenced only in the first or second week of October. It is a promising indicator of renewed traveller confidence and growing international appetite for Indian destinations as the 2026–27 season gets underway.
The Russian programme, operated through Aeroflot connecting Goa with Yekaterinburg and Moscow, is being supported by Concord Exotic Voyages (India) Pvt. Ltd. and the Minar Group as part of the ongoing Russia-Goa charter partnership. The service begins with five flights a week, with frequency set to rise to nine flights weekly from mid-October – a strong opening chapter for one of India’s most established international source markets. A second charter, carrying 285 passengers from Moscow, is due to arrive on October 4.
And the momentum doesn’t stop there. Goa’s international connectivity is set to widen further through November, with a Le Passage to India (TUI Group) charter from Manchester – carrying an estimated 285 passengers – scheduled to land on November 4, followed by another from Gatwick, reinforcing ties with the United Kingdom, a longstanding pillar of Goa’s international tourism. Charter services from Kazakhstan are also expected to commence in the coming weeks, adding fresh diversity to the season’s international visitor mix.
Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Goa welcomed the start of the season with optimism: “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.”
Mr. Kedar A. Naik, Director of Tourism, Goa echoed the sentiment, noting that international charters remain a vital part of Goa’s tourism ecosystem – supporting hotels, tour operators, travel agents, transport providers and the wider visitor economy. He pointed to the planned increase in Russian frequencies, alongside upcoming UK and Kazakhstan services, as evidence of a season set to strengthen India’s global connectivity across multiple key markets simultaneously.
Industry voices were equally upbeat. Mr. Sheik Ismail, Senior Vice President of Concord Exotic Voyages, called the season’s start “a positive start to Goa’s 2026–27 international tourism season,” pointing to strong recognition of Goa in the Russian market and an encouraging response so far, with frequencies expected to build steadily. 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.”
From the UK side, 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.”
As flowers, music and warm tropical sunshine greeted the season’s first visitors at Dabolim, the message was unmistakable: India’s tourism season is off to a flying start. With Russia now underway and the UK and Kazakhstan set to follow, Goa – and India’s broader tourism landscape – enters 2026–27 with renewed energy, expanding global connectivity, and a warm invitation for the world to experience everything the country has to offer, from its coastlines and cuisine to its heritage, wellness and culture.
