Calls for immediate State, Centre clarification to end speculation; warns airport remains vital for South Goa’s economy and tourism
PANAJI
Against the backdrop of fresh controversy over the future of Dabolim International Airport, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has urged the Goa and Union governments to publicly commit to keeping commercial flights operational at the airport. The stakeholders group stated that the airport is vital to South Goa’s economy, connectivity and tourism flow.
In a statement released on Thursday, TTAG emphasised the importance of keeping the airport at Dabolim open and operational for both civilian and commercial air traffic, despite the commissioning of Manohar International Airport (Mopa) in North Goa.
“With all the news and rumours floating around about the possible closure of the Goa International Airport at Dabolim in South Goa, and thereafter it would be handed over entirely to the Navy, the TTAG would like to reiterate its stance that Dabolim airport must remain open and operational for commercial air traffic and civilian use,” the statement issued by TTAG President Jack Sukhija said.
The association urged the Goa government, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, to make a clear statement reaffirming its commitment to keeping Dabolim operational for civilian use. It also appealed to the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to reiterate that the existing arrangement, under which the airport functions as a civil enclave within a naval airbase, would continue.
“It would be pertinent to note that even the Kashmir airport functions as a defence and civilian airport. Moreover, huge sums have been invested in the Dabolim airport by the Central government and experts are of the opinion that it can function both as a civilian and defence airport,” it added.
Located centrally, Dabolim has long served as Goa’s principal gateway, handling a significant share of passenger traffic and a large volume of international charter flights. Even after the opening of the MIA, Mopa airport, TTAG maintained that Dabolim continues to remain integral to connectivity for both North and South Goa.
Calling for immediate clarification, the association suggested a formal statement from the State and Centre would help allay apprehensions among stakeholders and reassure the people of Goa about the airport’s future.
