Goa, December 07, 2023: Goa welcomed the first charter flight from Uzbekistan, marking a significant milestone in collaborative efforts between the two nations. The historic flight, Centrum Air Q6 5545, operated by Elaine Avia in Uzbekistan and Goa’s operating agent Concord Exotic Voyages Pvt Ltd, landed at Mopa Airport on December 07, 2023, at 12:30 pm. This historic journey sets the stage for weekly charter flights, connecting Taskent, Uzbekistan, to Goa until March 21, 2024.
 
This was succeeded by Goa Tourism’s welcoming ceremony, displaying and presenting the cultural richness of Goa with brass band and offering of roses to the passengers.
 
On arrival of the charter flight, The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Printing and Stationary, Government of Goa, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed his excitement stating, “I take immense pleasure in extending a warm welcome to the inaugural charter from Uzbekistan to Goa. This marks the commencement of what we anticipate will be a prolonged and fruitful collaboration. We eagerly look forward to forging more such partnerships with the government and people of Uzbekistan, fostering cultural exchange and fortifying the tourism bonds between our nations. The invaluable involvement of the Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan has been instrumental in supporting the charter service to Goa, playing a pivotal role in fostering this significant development.”
 
The welcoming ceremony was graced in the presence of representatives from GMR – Mr. Kanwarbir Singh Kalra, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamlesh Poonia, Commandant (CISF), Ministry of Home Affairs, K C Rajagopal, Chief Immigration Officer, Srikant Bhandarkar & Shiv Kumar S, Mr. Bekzod Karimov, Owner of Elaine Avia & Travel, Mr. Sheik Ismail, Sr. Vice President, Concord Exotic Voyages and Mr. Deepak Narvekar Deputy General Manager – Marketing, a representative from Goa Tourism and other Tourism officials.
 
In a proactive effort to showcase Goa’s vibrant tourism offerings, the Goa Tourism delegation actively participated in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair held in Uzbekistan. The inauguration ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Mr. Manish Prabhat, the Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan. Charter operators from Uzbekistan demonstrated a keen interest in launching flights to Goa, further solidifying the bond fostered during the fair. 
As the first charter from Uzbekistan touches down on Goan soil, it symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in the friendly and collaborative relationship between these two vibrant and culturally rich nations.