Air India to Launch New Direct Flight Between India and UK This Month

Air India, owned by the Tata Group, is set to achieve a significant milestone by becoming the first carrier to operate international flights from the newly inaugurated Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa, India. Starting from July 21, 2023, Air India will commence non-stop flights between Goa and Gatwick Airport, the United Kingdom’s second-largest airport.

In a tweet, Air India announced, ‘We now fly from the newly launched @miagoaairport to Gatwick 3X weekly. (From 21st July 2023) To celebrate, a tribute to Mario Miranda – our favorite artist from Goa and forever a part of the Air India art legacy. Air India is the first carrier to fly internationally from the Manohar International Airport, Goa.’

This new route will operate three times a week, connecting travelers from Manohar International Airport to Gatwick Airport. With this addition, Air India’s operations in the UK will increase to a total of 49 flights per week. Currently, the airline operates 43 flights to London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and six to Birmingham. Furthermore, Air India operates 31 weekly flights between Delhi and Mumbai to Heathrow in London.

The launch of the Goa-UK route by Air India holds special significance as it pays tribute to Mario Miranda, a beloved artist from Goa. Miranda, a renowned cartoonist who received the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awards, has made a remarkable impact on the art world. His distinctive strokes and humorous storytelling were largely inspired by the essence of Mumbai and Goa.

The Manohar International Airport, developed and operated by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd (GGIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd (GIL), aims to become a vital transportation hub in the region. Inaugurated in January of this year, the airport aims to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth in Goa and its surrounding areas.

As Air India takes the lead in operating international flights from Manohar International Airport, it sets the stage for future developments and opportunities for both the airline and the airport, opening doors to enhanced connectivity and growth.