The Dabolim versus Mopa airport discourse dominated the House mid-session after Curtorim Constituency MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco moved a calling attention motion. The concern of survival of the Dabolim airport hinges on a drastic decline in charter flights, now reduced to one-third, and against the reality that the Manohar airport is scaling newer heights with airlines like Indigo and Air India showing an inclination to shift to Mopa.
While Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and MLA for Dabolim constituency Mauvin Godinho were categorical in assuring the House that Dabolim will not be shut down and justified their claim based on the assurances of the prime minister and the ongoing developmental works at the Dabolim airport, they were still unable to drive home the point on the airport sustaining momentum in the longer run and doing business alongside Mopa. The current argument for Dabolim is based on the broad understanding that an assurance was given by the prime minister that both Dabolim and Mopa would co-exist and that the former would not shut. The question is whether this assurance would stand against all odds, especially if the ground realities are in contrast and when the State government is holding a stake in that airport at Mopa. Or whether the assurance was part of a strategy to douse the opposition to Mopa, which was flaring up back then.
The debate has now veered around the practicality of Dabolim and Mopa co-existing and about reducing the South Goa airport to a ‘ghost’ airport.
Ironically, while the government has spoken about assurances and pledges over Dabolim’s existence, it has been silent on a flight management policy necessary to manage flight routes between Mopa and Dabolim. Under the current situation, governments cannot chart flight paths or restrict their choices. Operators prefer an airport with better accessibility, destination connectivity, support and lower logistics costs. Moreover, no flight operator would invest money and manpower in setting up offices and counters at two airports in a single State, especially when volumes are an issue.
The diversion of Air India’s international flights to Mopa Airport amplifies the fact that the governments would be helpless in the decisions of airline companies. So when the government gives assurance on the House floor, that commitment should be backed by conviction and policy decisions. Otherwise, it would be a hollow set of promises meant to keep the people of South Goa and the pro-Dabolim lobby in good stead.
With Mopa taking off smoothly and consolidating with an increasing flow of traffic connecting to newer destinations, Dabolim would find the going tough in the years ahead. Let us not forget that in India, no two airports have thrived in a single state. The arguments put forth by the local MLA have not been convincing because they are not practical to the Goa template.
Since the airlines are slowly changing course and plainly announcing their preference for Mopa, the State government now faces the monumental task of keeping up the promise it has been holding out to the stakeholders of South Goa.
