The arrival of the first Russian charter marks the start of winter charter programme of Goa
Marking the beginning of a new season for international travellers to Goa, the first charter flight from Russia has landed in Goa.
In a press statement, Goa Tourism says that Goa has commenced its 2026-27 tourism season with the arrival of the first charter flight from Yekaterinburg, Russia, carrying 162 passengers to Goa International Airport, Dabolim on Wednesday.
It adds that the arrival of the first Russian charter marks the start of winter charter programme of Goa and strengthens connectivity with Russia, one of the state’s established international source markets. The programme is being operated through Aeroflot services connecting Goa with Yekaterinburg and Moscow, supported by Concord Exotic Voyages (India) and the Minar Group.
Also Read: Tourist arrivals in Goa remain flat at 6.14 million in January-July
The statement adds that the programme will initially operate five flights per week, with the frequency expected to increase to nine flights per week from mid-October this year. The first Russian charter of this year arrived in September, earlier than in recent years when international charter season of Goa typically began in the first or second week of October.
The next Russian charter, carrying 285 passengers from Moscow, is scheduled to arrive at Goa International Airport on October 4. Goa’s United Kingdom charter programme will begin in November, with a Le Passage to India (TUI Group) charter from Manchester carrying around 285 passengers scheduled for November 4, followed by another charter from Gatwick. Charter services from Kazakhstan are also expected to begin in the coming weeks, says the statement.
“The arrival of the first charter flight from Russia marks the beginning of Goa’s international charter season for 2026 to 2027. 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,” says Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Goa.
Also Read: Kurdi: The Goan village that reappears every summer
Kedar A Naik
“We are pleased to welcome the first charter flight of the 2026 to 2027 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,” says Kedar A Naik, Director of Tourism.
Sheik Ismail
“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,” Sheik Ismail, Senior Vice President, Concord Exotic Voyages.
“We are delighted to receive 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,” says Shubert Colaco, Vice President, Minar Group.
Nahush Bargi
“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,” says Nahush Bargi, Assistant Vice President, Le Passage to India (TUI Group).
