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Goa has officially entered its 2026–27 international charter tourism season with the arrival of the first charter flight from Russia at Dabolim Airport on September 30.The Aeroflot service brought 162 passengers from Yekaterinburg, marking an earlier start to Goa’s international charter programme than in several previous years. The Russian tourists received a traditional Goan welcome at the airport, including flowers, live Goan music and cultural performances.The first arrival signals the beginning of the winter period when international charter flights play an important role in bringing overseas visitors to Goa and supporting businesses connected with tourism.
Russia Leads the Opening
The Russia-Goa charter programme is being operated through Aeroflot services connecting Goa with Yekaterinburg and Moscow. The programme is supported by Concord Exotic Voyages (India) Pvt Ltd and Minar Group. According to airport and tourism officials cited in current reports, Aeroflot is expected to operate six weekly services, with three flights each from Moscow and Yekaterinburg.
Another Russian charter carrying around 285 passengers from Moscow is scheduled to arrive on October 4, adding to the early-season international visitor flow. The Russian charter programme is expected to continue through the main tourism period, with additional services planned during the coming months.
“Our focus is on building Goa as a better-connected, responsible and year-round global destination,” said Rohan A. Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Government of Goa.
UK and Kazakhstan Charters Expected
Goa’s international charter programme will extend beyond Russia this season. Charter services from Kazakhstan are expected to begin in the coming weeks, while the UK charter programme is scheduled to begin in November. A Le Passage to India (TUI Group) charter from Manchester is scheduled for November 4, with bookings indicating around 285 passengers, followed by another service from Gatwick. The wider charter programme is significant for Goa’s tourism ecosystem because international arrivals create demand across hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators, taxis, restaurants, and other visitor-focused businesses. Director of Tourism Kedar A. Naik said international charters remain an important component of the state’s tourism 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,” said Kedar A. Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa.
Russian Tourist Arrivals Expected to Rise
Russia continues to be one of Goa’s important international tourism markets. Goa received around 33,000 Russian tourists last season, with the number projected to reach about 45,000 this season. Sheik Ismail, Senior Vice-President of Concord Exotic Voyages, also said the company expects continued demand from the Russian market.
With Russian charter operations already underway and services from the UK and Kazakhstan expected to follow, Goa is preparing for a broader international visitor movement during the 2026–27 tourism season. The early arrival also gives the state’s hospitality and tourism businesses a head start ahead of the peak winter travel period.
