Qatar Airways will move its operations for Goa in India from Dabolim Airport (GOI) to the newer Manohar International Airport (GOX).
Announcing the move on February 26, 2024, Qatar Airways said that the decision was taken due to GOX’s ability to deliver a “superior airport experience for travelers”.
Qatar Airways confirmed that it will cease operations at GOI on June 20, 2024, with the last flight taking off from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to the south Goan airport on June 19, 2024.
The last departure from GOI to Qatar will depart on June 20, 2024.
Once operations move to GOX, located in the North Goa district, the route will still be served with the same schedule of direct daily flights, on the same mix of Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
Qatar Airways is joining a list of airlines ready to be served by GOX, including strategic partners IndiGo and Oman Air.
The Qatari flag carrier said it was attracted to the newer airport’s “state-of-the-art infrastructure, and close proximity to hotels and public transportation”.
Qatar Airways first launched its operations in Goa in 2009, marking the start of the long-standing partnership between Doha and Goa.
“GOX’s expansive airport experience is designed to reflect the exuberant nature of the local culture with its blend of contemporary and Goan architecture. Its cargo facilities, comprising of 25,000 metric tons of temperature-controlled handling capacity, has the potential to make GOX the ideal export hub in the region,” the carrier said in a statement.
Currently, Qatar Airways flies to 13 destinations in India including: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Thiruvananthapuram.
GOX began operations at the airport in January 2023.