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Dubai: Indian Airlines has stopped all direct flights to Goa from the UAE.
The airlines used to operate two direct flights to Goa in a week.
Indian Airlines or Indian as it was later re-named, merged with Air India in 2007 and operated a twice-weekly flight to Goa until March 30.
Last December, Air India completely stopped its once-a-week Kuwait-Dubai-Goa flight.
With no direct flights to their state, Goans in the UAE said that they are annoyed with the decision and feel that they are being given bad treatment by their national airlines.
More than 50,000 Goans live in the UAE and under the current circumstance are left with no other choice but to fly via Mumbai to Goa.
A senior airline official said that a recommendation for restoration of direct flights has already been sent to their headquarters in Mumbai.
Anand Kumar Pandey, country manager of Indian, said: "We are more than interested in resuming our direct flights. Official recommendation has already been submitted from our side to this effect."
The airline is hoping to establish direct flights three times a week.
Mr Pandey said those who have flights to Goa booked with the airline will be carried for the same fare and on the same ticket to Goa via Mumbai.
"One of the reasons for stopping direct flights is because of the seat factor" said Pandey.
Highlighting the inconvenience they have been forced into, Goans who spoke to Gulf News said that they will have to spend a night in Mumbai as the next domestic flight is the next morning.
That's in addition to the time for travel from the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Sahar to the domestic airport in Santa Cruz.
"If you are flying by an international airline, other than an Indian airline, it will no doubt be cheaper. But you waste four hours to catch a domestic flight. An hour will be spent in baggage collection at the airport in Sahar, then one has to get on to the bus to the domestic airport and go through the process of checking in all over again. This is quite a hassle. Imagine travelling with kids," said Leo Fernandes.
Shirley Carneiro, a banker, said: "The only reason to fly Indian was because it flew directly to Goa. I would prefer direct flights to be resumed."
Tourism: Charming state
- Goa is located on the western coast of the Indian peninsula
- A tourist destination known for its beaches, churches and Portuguese architecture
- Language spoken: Konkani, Hindi, Marathi, English and Portuguese
- Direct flights to the state withdrawn as of March 30.
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