PANAJI
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has called on the State government and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to reduce charges at Dabolim airport.
This move aims to lower airfares and increase flight movement for the benefit of passengers entering and leaving the State.
The tourism stakeholder has also sought improvements to the facility, stating that Dabolim airport is an integral part of Goa for locals and tourists.
“We called on the AAI and Government of Goa to consolidate and improve the facilities at Dabolim Airport. User development fees and other charges should also be reviewed, as it is noticed that flights from metros to Manohar International Airport (Mopa) are 25-30 percent less expensive than flights from metros to Dabolim,” the TTAG said in a press statement issued on Friday evening.
“By consolidating and improving the facilities, footfall will automatically increase, and Dabolim will continue to be a stronghold and flourish for years to come,” it added.
The opposition parties, led by Goa Forward, have been demanding a reduction or at least parity in the user development fee so that Dabolim can compete with MIA.
The commissioning of MIA has led to a significant decline in overall flight movement and passenger traffic at Dabolim International Airport, which was Goa’s sole airport until a year ago.
Quite a few flights have also shifted operations to Manohar International Airport, with the latest addition being Qatar Airways.
