Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade Urges Revival of Air India’s Goa–London Gatwick Direct FlightRajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade Urges Revival of Air India’s Goa–London Gatwick Direct Flight

Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade Urges Revival of Air India’s Goa–London Gatwick Direct Flight

New Delhi, 12th August 2025: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, during the Zero Hour session, raised a pressing public issue concerning the immediate restoration of Air India’s direct flight between Goa’s Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

The non-stop service (AI 145/146), inaugurated on 21st July 2023, marked a milestone as the first regular international route from Goa, operating thrice weekly. This crucial link benefitted thousands of Goans living in the United Kingdom — including students, professionals, senior citizens, and families — by removing the need for expensive and time-consuming stopovers in other cities.

However, since 21st June 2025, the service has been suspended due to operational adjustments following the Air India Flight 171 incident. While acknowledging the necessity of safety protocols, Shri Tanavade highlighted that the prolonged suspension, now exceeding a month, has caused significant inconvenience to the Goan diaspora and travellers, forcing them into costly multi-stop journeys.

Shri Tanavade stressed that Goa’s ties with the United Kingdom extend far beyond tourism, encompassing deep cultural, economic, and diaspora connections. He described the direct Goa–London link as more than a convenience — calling it a “lifeline” that fosters family bonds, promotes trade, and supports both outbound and inbound tourism.

The MP appealed to the Union Government to intervene and ensure the earliest possible resumption of the service, thereby restoring an essential air bridge for the Goan community and visitors alike.

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