Main Minister Pramod Sawant concerns a press conference in the State Assembly, in Porvorim, Goa, Monday, July 21, 2025. Photo Credit: PTI
Main Minister Goa Pramod Sawant said on Monday (July 21, 2025) that he would consult the Ministry of Civil Aviation to restore Air India from Gatwick, London at the Manohar International Airport, stopped after a terrible Ahmedabad accident.
Mr. Sawant spoke in the assembly after BJP Mla Michael Lobo tried to know when the air service Air India would continue between Gatwick and Goa.
It was the only years that Goans from London was directly brought to the state, Lobo said, adding that Mr. Sawant should intervene and take over the problem with Air India as well as the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
“I will consult the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the Union and ensure that the flight is restored as soon as possible,” CM said in response to it.
During the discussion on the floor of the house, Mr. Lobo also asked whether there was a feasibility for two GOA airports, namely in the daboli in the southern part of the state and Manohar International Airport at Mop in the north.
During the introduction of the International Airport Manohar, it was ensured that the new facility would bring more connectivity from places like Abu Dhabi, Germany, Qatar and London, but it seems that this is not happening, Mr. Lobo said.
CM said that the number of flights (domestic and international) coming to the state doubled after the introduction of the international airport Manohar.
“On average, 50-52 flights used for landing and take -off from Dabolim Airport. Now a similar number of flights operates from the International Manohar Airport, doubling flight arrivals. Although Manohar International Airport is operated by a private company.
Manohar International Airport in MOPA started domestic commercial operations since January 5, 2023 and international operations began from 21 July of the same year.
The monsoon meeting of the Goa Assembly began during the day and culminated in August 8.
Published – July 21st 2025 05:48
