Traveling to Goa is set to become easier and more affordable.
The Goa government has announced a new incentive scheme for airlines that is expected to increase flight options, improve connectivity, and offer relief to passengers.
This move is aimed at boosting tourism while making air travel to Goa more convenient for everyone.
Government Incentives to Increase Flights
To encourage airlines to start new routes to Goa, the state government will offer financial incentives.
Any airline that launches a flight on a new route to Goa will receive ₹2 lakh per flight.
If an airline starts five new flights on different routes, it will get a total incentive of ₹10 lakh.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced this decision in the Assembly, stating that the main goal is to expand flight choices and reduce travel hassles for passengers.
How Passengers Will Benefit
Currently, many travelers have to rely on connecting flights to reach Goa, and ticket prices often rise sharply during peak tourist seasons.
With more direct routes expected to start, travel time should reduce significantly.
More airlines and routes will also increase competition.
This usually results in more affordable airfares, especially during busy travel months when prices are at their highest.
Lower Fuel Tax Means Cheaper Tickets
Aviation fuel is one of the biggest costs for airlines
. To reduce this burden, the Goa government has lowered VAT on aviation fuel from 18% to 15% for airlines operating in the state.
The government will bear this 3% difference.
Lower operating costs may allow airlines to introduce promotional fares and special offers, indirectly benefiting passengers.
Dabolim Airport Will Remain Open
There were concerns that all flight operations would shift to Mopa Airport, causing inconvenience for travelers heading to South Goa.
Addressing these worries, the Chief Minister confirmed that Dabolim Airport will not be closed.
Both Dabolim and Mopa airports will continue to operate, giving passengers the freedom to choose the airport that best suits their travel plans.
International and Domestic Connectivity Expanding
Government data shows strong demand for air travel to Goa.
Between March and December 2024, nearly 1,970 flights operated from Goa’s two airports, with over 46,000 passengers arriving and departing during this period.
New international routes to countries like Uzbekistan, Poland, Russia, and the UK have already started
This means travelers can now fly internationally from Goa without depending solely on major metro cities
More Options for Domestic Travelers
Domestic connectivity is also improving.
Fly91 airline currently operates 72 flights from Mopa Airport.
In addition, two new routes will soon be launched under the central government’s UDAN scheme.
This development could make traveling to Goa from smaller cities easier and more accessible.
While there are political debates around airport operations, the focus remains on making travel to Goa simpler, more comfortable, and affordable for passengers.
