More Flights To India? Not For Goan's As Direct Kuwait Route Gets Cancelled

24/07/2025

KUWAIT CITY, July 24: Air India Express is set to suspend its direct Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait service from July 31, just months after launching the route in May, sparking frustration and concern among the large Goan community working and residing in Kuwait. The budget carrier's decision to halt the short-lived route has left many Goans deeply disappointed, especially those who had embraced the direct flight as a much-needed, cost-effective lifeline connecting them to their home state.

For thousands of Goan workers in the Gulf nation, the now-suspended flight offered a rare combination of affordability and convenience. Without it, many are forced to rely on longer, pricier journeys with layovers in Mumbai, Doha, or Dubai.

The move comes amid growing concern over Goa’s dwindling international air connectivity, an alarming trend for a state that not only thrives on inbound tourism but also has a vast expatriate population spread across the Gulf and Europe.

With rising demand and limited alternatives, pressure is now mounting on both the airline and the Indian government to revisit the decision and restore what many consider a “crucial bridge” between the Middle East and the coastal Indian state.

Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that the State of Kuwait signed recently with the Republic of India to increase the operational capacity of flights between the two countries is a strategic step in line with the commitment of Kuwait to strengthen its position as an international transit hub in the region and to expand its air connectivity network with Asian and international markets, particularly with India -- one of its largest partners in the field of air transport.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the DGCA pointed out that the MoU paves the way for an increase in the number of direct flights between Kuwait International Airport and Indian airports, thereby stimulating air transport, tourism, and trade exchange. It added that this move is beneficial to national and foreign airlines operating at Kuwait International Airport.

The DGCA affirmed that Kuwait is keen on signing such MoUs, as per the directive of the political leadership, after the recent visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to Kuwait, with the Council of Ministers following up on this issue. It is based on the vision to develop the civil aviation sector, enhance the efficiency of Kuwait International Airport, and achieve economic and strategic benefits, especially in light of the expansion projects and infrastructure currently being implemented at the airport.

According to DGCA, the MoU is also in response to the remarkable increase in the number of Indians residing in Kuwait -- from around 300,000 in 2007 to nearly one million at present. It stated this necessitates an increase in regular flights to meet the growing demand for travel between the two countries, in addition to serving the Kuwaiti citizens. It expressed appreciation for the support of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah in the signing of this memorandum, as part of his directives to strengthen international cooperation, support efforts to develop the civil aviation sector, and open new horizons for economic partnerships that benefit the national economy.

The DGCA confirmed that the Indian side expressed the desire to sign this agreement, given its importance in facilitating the movement of Indian citizens and supporting historical, social, and economic ties with Kuwait. It asserted that this step reflects the strong relations between the two countries and enhances opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly air transport. The MoU is considered a qualitative leap attributed to the continuous efforts exerted by the DGCA -- headed by Sheikh Hamoud Al- Sabah who coordinated with various government agencies to address this demand, which was first presented more than 18 years ago. This development is a manifestation of the continuous efforts exerted by the concerned authorities in both countries to overcome obstacles and sign such a vital MoU.