PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant firmly ruled out any shutdown of Dabolim Airport, accusing the Opposition of stirring up controversy as elections approach. Speaking to reporters today, he said Goa will continue to function with two operational airports and dismissed claims of any move to end civilian operations at Dabolim.
Targeting South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, the Chief Minister said the allegations were baseless and politically motivated. “Dabolim will not shut. That is my clear statement,” he said, adding that elections cannot be fought over Dabolim alone.
The remarks follow developments in New Delhi a day earlier, where Fernandes wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeking clarity on the airport’s status. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, the MP claimed he had received reliable information that a file proposing the closure of Dabolim for civilian use had been moved, prompting sharp reactions in Goa.
Responding to the claim, Sawant said the Centre has invested heavily in Dabolim, including around Rs 450 crore on the flyover and Rs 300 to 400 crore on airport infrastructure over the past five years. “When the Civil Aviation Ministry has spent so much, it is not to hand over the airport only to the Navy. It will permanently serve both the Navy and the public,” he said. He also pointed out that before the commissioning of Manohar International Airport, a Cabinet decision had been taken to ensure that Goa operates with dual airports.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte also dismissed the speculation and said the MP should have confirmed the matter on paper before making public statements. “The man who spoke to make news should have confirmed it in writing,” he said, adding that, civil aviation-wise, both Dabolim and Mopa are vital for Goa. “Both airports are here to stay. If there is any official development, the Civil Aviation Department or the Chief Minister will speak,” Khaunte said.
