Surge in domestic and international flights fuels year-round tourism growth, with Goa welcoming over 54 lakh visitors in H1 2025
Goa, July 23, 2025: Goa is rapidly establishing itself as one of India’s most accessible travel destinations, witnessing a significant boost in air connectivity during 2024–25. With an increase in both international and domestic routes, the state has seen robust growth in tourist arrivals, reaffirming its status as a year-round destination.
Charter flights from key international markets—including Russia, the UK, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Uzbekistan—continued to land in Goa in large numbers, with operators praising the state’s efficient facilitation processes and expanding tourism experiences. Scheduled international flights from the Gulf region and Iran further enhanced inbound access.
Domestically, the expansion of air routes to and from cities such as Solapur, Hyderabad, Jalgaon, Agatti, and Lakshadweep—through both the Goa International Airport at Dabolim and the Manohar International Airport at Mopa—has contributed to sustained tourist traffic, especially during holidays, festivals, and long weekends. These developments have also attracted a surge in Free Independent Travellers (FITs), particularly from the Gulf region, Portugal, and Spain.
Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “This growth in air access is key to our tourism strategy. Better connectivity brings in wider audiences globally and enables us to promote Goa’s rich offerings beyond the conventional. We are seeing its impact across our local economy and in new tourism circuits being explored.”
Goa welcomed over 54 lakh tourists in the first half of 2025, highlighting steady momentum in both domestic and international travel. The state government attributes this growth to a focused strategy on connectivity, infrastructure, and immersive tourism.
Tourism Director Shri Kedar Naik underscored the importance of accessibility, noting, “This past season has demonstrated that connectivity is key to tourism growth. With better air access, we have been able to welcome more visitors across seasons and from a wider range of source markets.”
Shri Ernest Dias, COO of TCI and SITA, highlighted Goa’s expanding global footprint. “During the 2024–25 season, Goa welcomed charter flights from countries like Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, the UK, and Iran. For the upcoming season, we are working on increasing charters from Russia and exploring direct connectivity with Scandinavian countries.”
Shri George Varughese, Airport Director at Goa International Airport (Dabolim), shared that several enhancements are underway to streamline passenger experience ahead of the peak season. These include optimized terminal operations, additional staffing during peak hours, and improved coordination with stakeholders. “Our focus remains on ensuring a hassle-free start to every visitor’s time in Goa,” he said.
As Goa looks ahead, the tourism department—alongside aviation and industry partners—is actively pursuing new airline partnerships and charter routes. These efforts aim to strengthen the state’s global accessibility and position Goa as a preferred destination for every kind of traveller throughout the year.
About Goa Tourism:
The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is dedicated to promoting the state as a vibrant, diverse, and year-round destination. With a focus on infrastructure development, international outreach, and sustainable tourism practices, the department aims to elevate Goa’s global tourism appeal while enriching local communities.