MAPUSA
Admitting the higher user development and parking fees at Dabolim Airport, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the House on Tuesday that he will urge the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce these fees.
Sawant also committed to requesting a study on the dual traffic management plan, as suggested by the Opposition.
"Dabolim Airport will not become a ghost airport. The State government has been working to prevent this in the past and will continue to do so," Sawant stated in response to concerns raised by opposition MLAs regarding the airport's future.
Sawant emphasised the necessity of the new Manohar International Airport at Mopa due to the rising passenger inflow.
He highlighted that the crucial morning slot between 9 am to 12 noon at Dabolim Airport, managed by the Navy, is unavailable for civilian flights, underscoring the need for additional capacity at Mopa.
He assured, "The government has no plans to shut down Dabolim Airport. It was never our plan in the past, it is not now, and it will not be in the future."
The Chief Minister announced the State government's support for a proposed expansion of Goa International Airport at Dabolim, involving the acquisition of approximately 8.3 acres of land from the Indian Navy to enhance the terminal building and related infrastructure.
Currently, Dabolim Airport operates at full capacity and handles 57 percent of Goa’s air traffic.
The state government has supported the airport's growth by developing essential infrastructure, including the construction of two flyovers on NH 17B to reduce congestion near the terminal.
Additionally, land has been acquired for an Airport Authority of India staff colony and CISF barracks.
Goa, renowned as an international tourist hub, has immense potential for tourism growth.
Sawant affirmed the necessity of both Dabolim and Manohar International Airports to accommodate this growth, emphasising their importance in fostering tourism and economic development in the state.
Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao predicted a bleak future for Dabolim Airport, warning it could become a "ghost airport" if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
“Dabolim airport is on ventilator and the government has put it in the ICU. I know it is dying. Will the government be able to save it and how,” Alemao asked.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai echoed this concern, suggesting the implementation of a dual traffic management plan to ensure the survival of both airports.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas proposed convening senior officials from airline operators to discuss their needs and ensure operations from both airports. He suggested offering discounted landing and parking fees and subsidized fuel costs.
Several other MLAs from the ruling side also contributed to the discussion, reflecting widespread concern and interest in the future of Dabolim Airport.
