PANAJI
More than two and a half years after its commencement, the State government has decided to establish a special cell to monitor the recruitment of locals at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation, in its performance budget 2025-26 tabled on the floor of the House, said that in collaboration with the Department of Employment, a special cell for monitoring employment of local youths in various establishments at the airport will be established in the ongoing financial year. The department will also undertake the study of the socio-economic impact to understand how the airport has benefited the local population.
After an initial delay due to legal battles and the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport commenced operations on January 5, 2023 “ almost a month after its inauguration in December 2022. Initially, it catered to domestic routes and international flights were added in July 2023. Since its commissioning, the airport has successfully handled over 10 million passengers and an average of 80 flights daily till the end of June 2025. The State has earned revenue of over Rs 66 crore from the airport.
The department has decided to engage a panel of auditors to review the compliance of obligations under the Concession Agreement. “Engagement of Chartered Accountant for monitoring the revenue generation (aeronautical and non-aeronautical) from the operations of the airport and the city-side development within the airport,” the department said.
In the current year, the government has proposed construction of a Government Guest House and the development of a Theme Park at “Barajanachi Rai”, a sacred grove in the portion of land admeasuring 7920 m² acquired for construction of the airport.
The department also intends to upgrade the Aviation Skill Development Centre by introducing various new courses which are recognised by ICAO, BCAS, IATA, etc., so as to enhance the chances of employability of Goan youths anywhere in the world.
