Mumbai, Oct. 29 -- The Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa welcomed its first charter flight from Kazakhstan for the winter 2026-27 tourism season on Monday, with 177 passengers arriving from Almaty. The arrival marked the first charter operation of the season at the airport.
The aircraft's arrival comes as charter operations to Goa through other airports have already commenced. Mopa airport began operations in January 2023 and is being positioned as an important gateway for international visitors travelling to the coastal state.
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the arrival of tourists from Kazakhstan was an encouraging development as Goa prepared to receive international visitors during the winter season. He said the state government was working to expand its presence across overseas markets and highlight its cultural heritage, tourism experiences and hospitality.
The minister said Goa was seeking to attract visitors from Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region with experiences extending beyond its beaches. These include heritage sites, spiritual destinations, local cuisine, nature-based activities and cultural programmes.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the first charter arrival at Mopa added momentum to Goa's international tourism outreach. He said improved connectivity from markets such as Kazakhstan would make the state more accessible, while the tourism department would encourage visitors to explore its heritage, traditions, cuisine, natural attractions and local communities.
Goa is also strengthening its engagement with international travel partners and promoting a broader range of tourism offerings as the winter 2026-27 season gathers pace. Officials said the arrival from Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, was expected to support seasonal charter operations at Mopa and the state's wider efforts to expand international tourism connectivity.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.