13-14 charter flights in October from Russia to Goa cancelled, possibly due to Russia-Ukraine war

PANAJI: According to media reports quoting sources at the Dabolim international airport in Goa, the charter flight of Azur Air, from Moscow, that was slated to commence operations from yesterday (Tuesday), has been cancelled.

“The airline had booked a landing slot for Tuesday, bringing in Russian tourists to Goa. However, the airline cancelled the slot,” airport sources claimed. ALSO READ: Nearly 30,000 to 35,000 Russians cancel their plans to visit Goa this season, due to Ukraine-Russia conflict

More than 13 charter flights which were scheduled to land in Goa from Russia during the month of October have been cancelled, resulting in a loss of nearly 2500 Russian tourists.

Till date  there are no confirmed charter flights from Russia for this month.

According to a report in The Navhind Times, the first international charter flight for this year is now only expected to arrive from Kazakhstan on October 19.

The Dabolim airport director Dhananjaya Rao told The Navhind Times that Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines will land at Dabolim on October 19, making it the first charter of the tourist season, with several British charters also cancelled due to visa issues.

ALSO READ: More than 60 percent Brits hoping to arrive in Goa during Oct-Nov via charters cancel bookings: Goa Tourism takes a big hit

According to Goan tour operators, SCAT Airlines will operate one flight per week to Goa till November, which will be increased to three flights in December from Kazakhstan to Dabolim airport.

Russian carrier Aeroflot Airlines may commence regular passenger flights from Moscow to Goa, but this is yet to be confirmed.

“The Russian airline is expected to begin operations from November 2. It is likely to bring in roughly 760 passengers per week from Moscow,” Rao was quoted by media reports. ALSO READ: More than 6000 British tourists have already cancelled their plans to visit Goa this year?

But all depends on the Russian-Ukraine conflict and other international developments, including the Russian domestic economy and the buying power of the Russian currency.

If the Rouble falls drastically, or the conflict takes a harsh turn as far as Russia is concerned thousands of Russians could skip their annual visit to Goa this year, analysts said.