Five year drop in charter flights to Goa

AAI permits 632 charter flights this winter

Goa is expected to receive little over 630 charter flights this winter, the lowest in the last five years, due drop in number of Russian holiday makers.

The charter season in Goa runs from October to May. Airport Authority of India has given an approval for over 632 charter flights from Russia, Britain and Finland this year.

This is the lowest since 2009-10 and the downturn in Russian economy has led to cancellation of trips and fewer flights to the state.

"Russia has become a major source market for Goa in the last five years and there is drop in visitors from the country this year," said Aloo Gomes Pereira, chief operating officer (charters) of Trail Blazer Tours India.

Francisco de Braganca, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa expects 20-25% decline in foreign tourist arrivals in Goa this winter because of slowdown in Russian market.

Charter operators Monarch Airlines (Britain) is not operating flights to Goa this year and Transaero a scheduled airline from Russia which operates seasonal flights to Goa shut down in October adding to the woes.

But there could be few additional flights from Russia in December with Orenair planning charter flights from Moscow. However 28% decline is seen in charter flights over last year's numbers based on approvals granted till now. Last winter season Goa received 889 charter flights.

Russia and Britain are the top source markets for Goa contributing to around 60% tourist arrivals. In 2014 Russian tourists accounted for 29% of all foreign tourist arrivals in Goa down from 33% in two preceding years. Last year depreciation in Rouble and closure of two tour operators Labirint and Neva had impacted the arrivals.

Pereira however feels that growth in domestic market could offset for the decline in foreign tourists. "The domestic leisure market is showing strong growth. Also Goa is a favourite for weddings and and meetingt-incentive tours. Braganca adds that British market continues to look promising.
 

Charter flights to Goa
2009-10	627
2010-11	856
2011-12	812
2012-13	1,044
2013-14	1,141
2014-15	889
2015-16	632
Note: 2015-16 figure includes approval for flights. The season runs from October-May and actual figures may vary
Source: Airports Authority of India