PANAJI
Even after the active fleet of Indian carriers went down and decline in charter flights, Goa’s air traffic recorded a jump of three million in 2023-24 compared to the previous period.
Though the Dabolim International airport witnessed a considerable 15-20 per cent drop in footfall, the commissioning of the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, facilitated overall arrival of around 11 million passengers -- domestic and international, this year, compared to 7 million in 2023.
The Dabolim airport -- the sole international airport till January 2023-- had handled 8.4 million passengers in 2022. The Manohar International Airport that commenced its operation almost a year back, has handled a total 4.4 million passengers till date, according to the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).
Speaking to media persons, TTAG President Nilesh Shah said the active fleet of Indian carriers has been going down since last year, driven by three airlines. SpiceJet’s financial woes kept the planes grounded, Go FIRST shutting operations in May and several aircraft of IndiGo remaining on the ground due to engine issues and also there was a drop in charter flights arrival this season.
“In spite of all odds, Goa recorded a three million rise in air passengers this year, compared to 2023. Last year, by the end of March, Goa had handled 8.4 million footfalls, while this year, till date, we have touched 11.4 million. This is because of Mopa airport that recorded 4.4 million passengers,” Shah said.
Shah said Dabolim airport, which handled 7 million passengers, despite commissioning of Manohar International airport, has great potential provided it focuses on enhancing the facilities and other recreational activities, which passengers look forward to.
He said that Mopa airport being a new and modern airport has got far better facilities than Dabolim that attracts Airlines and also passengers. “Airlines mostly look for their comfort like where they will get better proper slots, what their customers’ experiences are, etc. Also passengers traveling, prefer to have shopping areas, restaurants, etc at the airport, which Dabolim does not offer,” he explained.
“By consolidating and improving the facilities, the footfalls will automatically increase and Dabolim airport will continue to be a stronghold and flourish in the years to come,” Shah added.
In a statement issued on Friday, TTAG had called on the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the State government to consolidate and improve the facilities at the Dabolim airport. It had also demanded to review User Development Fees in order to ensure that the flight tickets are at par with Mopa airport, which offers 25-30 per cent less prices then Dabolim.
