The Manohar International Airport, Mopa versus Dabolim Airport debate echoed in the hallowed precincts of the Legislative Assembly yet again with members across party lines standing up to express solidarity with Dabolim and seeking assurance from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on its existence. And yet again, Sawant held his ground that the Dabolim airport will not be shut down giving reference to the delegation he took to Delhi to impress upon the Centre and getting a resolution confirming that the airport will operate alongside the Mopa one.
The airport debate has been part of the Assembly business for many years with Members of the House putting forth their fears and explaining the economic fallout on South Goa ” from hospitality to tourism and businesses. The fears are justified against the backdrop of what LoP has been claiming that Dabolim would be reduced to a ‘Ghost Airport’ citing the non-viability of two airports co-existing in tiny States like Goa.
The fears of Dabolim's success going downhill are compounded by the fact that there has been a consistent drop in air traffic in 2023 and 2024. Interestingly, although Goa witnessed a spurt in tourist arrival in the financial year 2023-24 with 11 million footfalls against the 7 million in the previous year, the Dabolim airport saw a considerable 20 per cent drop in arrivals. To make it worse, around six airline companies have shifted from Dabolim to Mopa, and the trend continues with two others in negotiations.
The decline in Dabolim airport business is as clear as daylight. Also clear is that directing airlines on landing destinations is outside the purview of the State or Central governments. Any assurances given on that count of approaching the Centre to influence airlines does not fit into protocol. Instead of giving false hopes, the need is to take proactive measures and make offerings that induce airlines to choose Dabolim. GMR, which is operating the airport, will push all barriers to increase its profitability and would not be concerned about the survival of Dabolim. Better landing slots, cheaper parking facilities and other sops is currently giving the Manohar airport an edge.
Secondly, Celebi India, the country’s largest aviation ground handler, which has a presence across six other airports across the nation, is handling ground handling, passenger and asset management besides cargo services at the Mopa airport. The government must take the suggestion of Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao on board and hire a professional ground handler for Dabolim. The mere expansion of Dabolim Airport or an infrastructural upgrade does not convince anyone that the airport is here to stay.
The Chief Minister’s assurance of taking key members into confidence, including Alemao, a professional airline pilot-turned-legislator, to work out solutions is a positive step. There is a huge distrust over the government's word on Dabolim Airport because the State government holds a stake of 36.99 per cent in the profits of Manohar International Airport. The consideration that the State government has extended for GMR is visible in its decision to offer an extended revenue holiday.
We hope the discussions on the Floor of the House are taken forward and Dabolim Airport gets its wings back.
