Team Goemkarponn
Delhi: In a special mention during the Zero Hour session of the Rajya Sabha, Member of Parliament Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade brought attention to the urgent need for the restoration of Air India’s direct flight connecting Goa’s Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX), with London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
The direct non-stop Air India service (AI 145/146) was launched on July 21, 2023, marking the first regular international route from Goa. Operating thrice weekly, this flight has been a vital link for thousands of Goans residing in the United Kingdom, including students, professionals, senior citizens, and families. By eliminating long and costly stopovers, the service greatly facilitated easier travel between Goa and the UK.
However, since June 21, 2025, the flight has been suspended following operational adjustments after the Air India Flight 171 incident. While acknowledging the critical importance of safety measures, Shri Tanavade highlighted the severe inconvenience caused by the prolonged suspension, now over a month old. The disruption has forced travelers to resort to expensive and time-consuming multi-stop journeys, causing significant hardship for the Goan community and other passengers.
MP Tanavade stressed that Goa’s ties with the United Kingdom go far beyond tourism, encompassing strong cultural, economic, and diaspora connections. The direct flight serves as more than a mere convenience; it is a crucial lifeline that nurtures family relationships, promotes economic exchanges, and supports tourism both ways.
Calling on the Union Government for urgent intervention, Shri Tanavade appealed for the immediate resumption of the Goa–London Gatwick Air India service. He emphasized the importance of restoring this essential air link for the benefit of Goans and tourists alike, thereby strengthening Goa’s connectivity with one of its key global partners.
The Union Government has been urged to take prompt action to reinstate the service and alleviate the ongoing travel difficulties faced by the Goan community and visitors.
