CM’s remark on Dabolim’s continuation in conflict with ICAO observation
The 37 page International Civil Aviation Organisation’s FeasibilityReport 2007 calls a dual airport system ‘a second best solution’. It states that according to the findings ofthe recent studies on the issue, “the relatively small amount of airport trafficin Goa does not provide a strong argument for splitting traffic between theexisting Dabolim Airport and a new airport at Mopa. It would impact commercialand financial viability of both airports”. The report concludes “a singleairport is the most efficient solution for Goa”.
While successive governments of Goa have been pushing Mopa Airport forecastingheavier passenger traffic in the future, the International Civil AviationOrganisation (ICAO)’s 2008 Report pointed out “It is however noted that theremay be reasons, economic, political and/or social that may call for the need tooperate both airports”.
Two reports have been done on Mopa by ICAO. The first was by Airportde Paris International (ADPi) and STUP Consultants in 2005 and thereafter in 2007by ICAO itself. But what is interestingis that ADPi 2005’s assumption of Mopa Airport handling three millionpassengers in 2010 was surpassed by Dabolim in the 2010-11 season itself. Thiswas achieved even before its current Rs 500 crore modernisation.
Significantly the ICAO report said that “a new Airport willeventually be required at Mopa, when the enhanced capacity of Dabolim will not beable to cope with the demand”. From 700 passengers, Goa will handle 2840, that is four times, assoon as the new terminal at Dabolim gets operational in less than a year. WithMaharashtra beating Goa with Chipi Airport, doesn’t this call for a realitycheck?
