Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Sunday stated that the BJP government’s policy failures have led to airlines dropping Goa from their network lists, opting for other states instead.
Reacting to Air India dropping Goa from its London Gatwick network for Winter 2025-26, Alemao emphasized the need for the government to reassess its strategies to keep Goa competitive and appealing to tourists.
“The Goa government claim that two airports would boost tourism. However economy is crumbling as airlines drop Goa from their network lists, favoring other states instead. Goa Government is all out to make ‘Dabolim Airport’ as Ghost airport, but now it seems the tourism picture will also be murkier and shaky due to new development. Government has failed in its policies and to attract tourists in the state with focus only on borrowings and not generating revenue,” Alemao said.
“The Tourism Department spends crores on junket tours abroad, supposedly to attract tourists, but these efforts often yield no results. We have seen cases where despite spending on roadshows and programs, no tourists from those countries have visited Goa. This is a clear waste of public funds,’ Alemao added.
“‘If steps are not taken to revive tourism, the economy will suffer further,” Alemao warned.
Alemao said that this decision will also impact our Goan community in London, making it challenging for them to visit their homeland. “The Goa-London flight connectivity was a support for them, allowing smooth travel between the two destinations,” he said, adding the direct flight helped people with affordable fare.
