Air India’s direct flight between Goa and London’s Gatwick, suspended after the tragic Ahmedabad-London crash on 12 June, will resume by the end of September, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed during the state assembly session.Calling improved air connectivity a “game changer” for the sector, Khaunte stressed the importance of the route, which was suspended following the crash that claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers.Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had earlier told the House he would consult the Civil Aviation Ministry following concerns raised by BJP MLA Michael Lobo, who noted it was the only direct flight connecting Goans in the UK to their home state.Khaunte also announced that from 5 October 2025, Russia’s Aeroflot Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Yekaterinburg and Goa’s Manohar International Airport, with each flight carrying up to 210 passengers. The route is expected to bring over 13,000 Russian tourists this season.Goa has already opened air corridors with countries such as Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, helping boost international arrivals. The state is now pursuing a long-term strategy focused on sustainable, high-impact tourism, Khaunte added.Between January and June 2025, Goa recorded 5.45 million tourist arrivals—5.18 million domestic and 270,000 international visitors—reflecting 8.4 per cent year-on-year growth. In June alone, arrivals touched 834,000, driven by cultural festivals like Sao Joao, nature stays, and creek tours. Hotel occupancy during the first half of 2025 ranged from 70 per cent to full capacity.Khaunte dismissed claims of a tourism slump, citing official data showing Goa had surpassed pre-COVID-19 visitor numbers. In 2019, the state welcomed 8.06 million tourists; in 2024, the figure rose to 10.4 million—including 9.94 million domestic and 467,000 international travellers—marking a 39.5 per cent rise in domestic and 50 per cent growth in international tourism over pre-pandemic levels.