Although a popular tourist destination, Goa did suffer its fair share of setbacks post the Covid-19 pandemic, struggling to attract tourists.
With not just employment, but the state’s economy banking on the industry, there have been constant attempts to acknowledge and resolve the challenges.
In this direction, giving Goa’s tourism a booster shot to reach the big figures, the pure play regional airline headquartered in Goa, FLY91 will set flight on April 18, 2024, from its home base, Goa, to Agatti Airport.
The route will establish direct connectivity between two vibrant destinations, offering travellers enhanced accessibility and increased flight options.
“This new air route will provide travellers with easier access to explore Goa’s vibrant coastal culture and Agatti’s tranquil island beauty,” said the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FLY91, Manoj Chacko, who is expecting a positive response this summer.
"Tourists can consider Goa as a gateway to further explore the Indian coastline, leading to extended vacations and increased tourism revenue for Goa,” said Chacko.
He added, “This added connectivity will enhance Goa's appeal, attracting more domestic and international visitors, seeking diverse travel experiences.”
Initially, the regional carrier will fly to Agatti four times a week – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – departing from Manohar International Airport, Mopa, at 7.15 am and arriving at Agatti Airport at 9.30 am.
“From May 1, 2024, however, the Goa-Agatti-Goa flights will operate seven days a week, with fares starting at Rs 4,391,” said the FLY91 Managing Director.
FLY91 has also signed a MoU with Goa Tourism promising to promote domestic and inbound tourism to Goa, conduct activities contributing to further boost sustainable tourism and strengthen the government’s initiatives to empower hospitality businesses.
Given Goa’s promising leisure activities, right from its food, beverages to adventure sports and comfortable stays, Tanveer Kwatra, General Manager of W Goa, Vagator, said that the commencement of FLY91 operations will result in an increased influx of visitors to the state and this, in turn, will benefit the local hospitality industry.
“As a regional airline operating out of Goa, FLY91 presents Goa with ample opportunity, as all State development currently favours boosting tourism and the local economy,” he said.
Tanveer is keen on exploring and learning more about cuisine-related opportunities at Agatti Island, in light of its fame as ‘The Fishing Capital’ of Lakshadweep.
President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Jack Sukhija, said that as a regional airline operating out of Mopa Airport in Goa, FLY91 is advantageous on the connectivity front, bridging the gap between tier 2 and tier 3 cities and providing last mile connectivity.
The introduction of the Goa-Agatti flights is expected to boost Goa's tourism by offering travellers seamless access to Lakshadweep.
“Goa is a burgeoning tourist destination and the commencement of flights between Goa and scenic Agatti Island, in Lakshadweep, will provide opportunities on several frontiers for, both, Goans and the people of Agatti Island,” says Sukhija.
With a 6 km stretch of stunning land blessed with diverse marine life, Agatti is one of Lakshadweep's most sought-after destinations, attracting deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing and kayaking enthusiasts.
The introduction of the Goa-Agatti flights is expected to boost Goa's tourism by offering travellers seamless access to Lakshadweep.
Only time will tell if it manages to do so — attract tourists to book that flight and feel the magic as white sands of Agatti gently kiss their feet, but not before leaving positive trails on Goa’s tourism.
