Panaji: Goa is set to strengthen its connectivity with Kazakhstan, with SCAT Airlines beginning weekly charter flights between Almaty and Dabolim from Oct 23, followed by Air Astana’s weekly Astana-Mopa service from Dec 30.SCAT Airlines will operate one flight a week between Almaty and Dabolim from Oct 23, increasing the frequency to twice a week from Dec 29 to April 2.Air Astana is scheduled to commence its Astana-Goa service on Dec 30, connecting Kazakhstan’s capital with Manohar International Airport, Mopa. The weekly service will continue until March 31.The two connections will give travellers from Kazakhstan access to Goa through both Dabolim and Mopa, while helping the state expand its presence in the growing central Asian tourism market.Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said govt was focusing on attracting more overseas visitors during the upcoming winter season.“To support the charter arrivals, the govt has allocated Rs 2 crore towards the charter incentive programme to encourage more international visitors. Every new flight means opportunities for local businesses and communities,” Khaunte said.Major tour operators, including Concorde, TUI and TCI, have booked travellers on scheduled flights to Goa from countries across Scandinavia, Western and Eastern Europe, including Armenia and Belarus, as well as emerging markets in the Middle East.Khaunte said charter flights from Manchester and London Gatwick in the UK are also scheduled to begin in Nov. The first UK charter is scheduled to arrive on Nov 4, carrying 285 tourists from Manchester.The first charter flight from Moscow arrived at Goa International Airport on Sunday with more than 285 passengers and crew. This followed the arrival of a Yekaterinburg-Dabolim charter earlier in the week, which brought 162 tourists.A Polish charter is expected to arrive in Goa on Nov 9.Tourism director Kedar Naik said the arrivals underlined Goa’s position as a preferred winter destination in the international market.“These arrivals reaffirm Goa’s position as a preferred winter destination in the international market. The department will continue to work closely with airlines, charter operators, tour operators and industry partners to strengthen connectivity and facilitate a steady flow of international visitors,” Naik said.
