Cheap holidays in Goa: can I get a direct flight and how much does it cost?

Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Goa’s beaches can be reached by direct flight from London – but how cheaply? (Shutterstock)

Q I'm looking to travel to Goa in November or December. Which airlines fly direct to Goa from London? I don’t want to change planes.

Nicola White

A For flight-only deals from London to Goa, the best bargains are often via Doha on Qatar Airways or via Dubai on Emirates.

The two big holiday companies both offer direct options in November and December, both from Gatwick. Thomas Cook Airlines flies out on Sundays and returns on Mondays, and Thomson Airways flies out on Saturdays and back on Sundays. The timings on Thomson suit me better (overnight outbound, with a civilised daytime flight home); Thomas Cook has a daytime flight out (arriving shortly after midnight), and comes back overnight.

Fares look fairly high at present: I’m seeing prices of around £600 return. These could come down nearer the time. Alternatively, if you do not have accommodation already, then a package costs little more than the flight-only price.

Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder