Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sadanand Shet Tanavade, raised an urgent matter of public importance during the Zero Hour session, highlighting the need to restore Air India’s direct flight between Goa’s Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
The direct non-stop service (AI 145/146), launched on July 21 2023, was the first regular international route from Goa, operating thrice weekly.
It provided a vital travel link for thousands of Goans living in the United Kingdom, including students, professionals, senior citizens, and families, by eliminating long and costly stopovers in other cities.
Tanavade expressed concern in the Parliament that since June 21 2025, this crucial service has been suspended due to operational adjustments following the Air India Flight 171 incident. While appreciating the importance of safety, he noted that the prolonged suspension, now over a month, has caused severe inconvenience and hardship to the Goan community and travellers, forcing them to rely on expensive and time-consuming multi-stop journeys.
Tanavade emphasised that Goa’s connection with the United Kingdom is not limited to tourism but extends to strong cultural, economic, and diaspora ties. The direct flight is more than just a convenience; it is a lifeline that strengthens family bonds, promotes economic exchange, and supports both outbound and inbound tourism.
In his appeal, the MP urged the Union Government to take immediate steps to resume the Air India Goa–London Gatwick service at the earliest, restoring this essential link for the benefit of Goans and tourists visiting Goa.
