GoAir to start international ops in October

GoAir is set to launch its international operations in October, making it the fifth Indian carrier to fly overseas, the Centre said on Thursday.

At present, the Air India group, IndiGo, Jet Airways, and SpiceJet fly abroad. The Air India group comprises Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express. GoAir has been given permission to start international operations from the new Kannur international airport to Damam in Saudi Arabia, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said, adding that IndiGo would operate a flight from the city to Doha and Jet Airways will start a service from there to Abu Dhabi.

The services are expected to start from the winter schedule, beginning October end.

GoAir currently operates only domestic flights despite meeting the eligibility criteria for flying on international routes as it has a fleet of over 20 aircraft. In a written reply in Parliament on Thursday, the government informed that the ‘air operators certificate’ had been endorsed for GoAir to start international operations.

Asked about the bailout package the government is considering for Air India, the secretary said they are working on a turnaround plan to make the airline competitive and holding consultations with the finance ministry before taking a final view of the matter.