Team Goemkarponn
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade on Tuesday met Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and urged the immediate resumption of the direct Air India flight between Goa’s Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
The non-stop service (AI 145/146), which operated thrice a week, was the first regular international route from Goa, providing seamless connectivity to the United Kingdom. It had benefitted students, professionals, senior citizens and families by saving both time and cost of travel. However, the flight has remained suspended since June 21, 2025, following operational adjustments after the Air India Flight 171 incident.
Tanavade stressed that the service was more than a convenience, calling it a “lifeline” given Goa’s large diaspora in the UK and strong cultural and economic ties between the two regions. He also pointed out that the prolonged suspension has disrupted travel plans and caused hardship for Goan passengers.
The Union Civil Aviation Minister assured Tanavade that the flight service would be resumed in the interest of Goa and its people.