Three weeks ago, the first TUI Airways charter touched down at Goa’s Manohar International Airport. On board: 282 passengers from Manchester, followed a day later by 288 from London Gatwick. No layovers, no Mumbai connections, and around 9.5 hours in the air before touching down to golden beaches and palm-fringed shores.
This gives agents an easy way to talk about Goa with clients who’ve been curious about India.
TL;DR
- TUI Airways launched direct charter flights from Manchester and London Gatwick to Goa’s Manohar International Airport on 5-6 November 2025
- 83 flights are scheduled through Winter 2025-26, with peak availability in December (17 flights) and January (18 flights)
- Goa’s international arrivals are up 29.33% year-on-year
- Prices start from £524pp for packages
- Flight time is around 9 hours 30 minutes with no connections needed
What to Know
TUI Airways launched its Winter 2025-26 charter programme to Goa on 5-6 November 2025, with direct flights from Manchester (MAN) and London Gatwick (LGW) to Manohar International Airport, also known as Mopa (GOX).
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Routes: Manchester and London Gatwick to Mopa (GOX)
- Frequency: 4x weekly (combined across both airports)
- Total Season Flights: 83 charter flights through Winter 2025-26
- Peak Months: December 2025 (17 flights) and January 2026 (18 flights)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 9 hours 30 minutes
- Expected UK Visitors: 30,000-40,000 travellers this season
Worth Knowing
Until this winter, most UK travellers had to connect through Mumbai, Delhi, or Gulf hubs like Doha and Dubai. That added hours to the journey and complexity to the booking.
Direct flights change that picture entirely.
Manohar International Airport (Mopa) opened in January 2023 in North Goa and has quickly become the preferred gateway for international charters. It’s modern, less congested than the older Dabolim airport, and closer to North Goa’s popular beach resorts.
Goa’s Tourism Minister, Rohan A. Khaunte, welcomed the new flights with a clear message: “The start of the charter season by TUI Airways reflects the continued interest Goa enjoys among travellers from the United Kingdom. As we expand our global reach, our endeavour is to offer experiences rooted in cultural ethos while supporting local communities and sustainable growth.”
The Numbers Behind
Goa is having a strong year. Between January and September 2025, the state recorded 7.63 million tourist arrivals, up 6.23% compared to the same period in 2024. The headline figure for agents: international arrivals surged 29.33%, from 259,820 to 336,031.
Tourism contributes 16.43% to Goa’s GDP and supports 40-45% of direct and indirect employment in the state. The growth isn’t seasonal either. For the first time, Goa recorded positive tourism growth during the monsoon months (June-September), a sign that the destination is building year-round appeal.
What Clients Are Looking For
Goa is no longer only a beach destination. The state has positioned itself around regenerative tourism with four core pillars: cultural heritage, wellness, spirituality, and nature-based experiences. At World Travel Market London earlier this month, the Goa Tourism delegation showcased its “Feels Like Goa” campaign, emphasising hinterland trails, heritage walks, and spiritual circuits.
Here’s how the destination breaks down by client type:
- Beach seekers: North Goa (Baga, Calangute, Candolim), South Goa (Palolem, Cola Beach)
- Wellness travellers: Yoga retreats, Ayurvedic spas, healthy eating programmes
- Cultural explorers: Portuguese-era churches, heritage walks, Divar Island
- Adventure seekers: Watersports, hinterland trails, monsoon tourism
- Spiritual travellers: Ekadasha Teertha Circuit, temple visits, meditation retreats
The Practical Bit: Booking Details
TUI offers direct flights from both Gatwick and Manchester, with prices starting from £524 per person for package holidays. Premium cabin upgrades and extra legroom are available at a supplement.
Flight-inclusive packages typically include:
- Return flights with 20kg hold luggage and 10kg hand luggage as standard
- Resort transfers
- Accommodation options ranging from 3-star to 5-star luxury
For all-inclusive options, prices for 11-day packages start from approximately £1,500-£1,900 depending on travel dates, with longer stays (23-30 days) offering better value per night.
Peak season pricing (December-January) runs higher, so clients booking for Christmas or New Year can expect to pay a premium. December departures have 17 charter flights scheduled across the month.
Air India also operates direct services from London Gatwick to Goa (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday departures), offering a scheduled alternative to the charter programme.
Conversation Starters for Clients
This story gives agents a few natural ways to bring up Goa:
For the time-poor client: “You can now fly direct to Goa from Manchester or Gatwick. No connections, no extra airports. Under 10 hours and you’re on the beach.”
For the wellness-curious: “Goa’s developed a whole wellness scene now, from yoga retreats to Ayurvedic spa programmes.”
For the family booker: “Direct flights make Goa doable for families. No layovers with tired kids, and all-inclusive options make budgeting easier.”
For the long-stay client: “Some operators are offering 3-week and 4-week packages. That’s real value for clients who want an extended winter escape.”
Summing It Up
The TUI charter programme runs through Winter 2025-26, with flights continuing into March/April 2026. Goa Tourism is actively targeting new source markets, including Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland), and has expanded charter connectivity from Russia and Central Asia. For UK agents, this signals sustained investment in Goa as a long-haul destination.
Agent Advantage Insight
Direct flights to Goa remove the biggest friction point for clients who’ve always fancied the destination but didn’t want the hassle of connections. It could be helpful for clients who’ve mentioned India before.
