PANAJI: The Goa government has assured that it will take up the cancellation of Air India’s direct flight between Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and London with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the State Assembly that a formal email would be sent to the Ministry on Tuesday.
Amid concerns raised by the ruling as well as opposition MLAs over the existence of Dabolim International Airport, CM Sawant on Monday told the State Assembly that the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has slashed several handling fees for airlines operating from the airport.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo led the charge in questioning the state’s dual airport strategy, especially the gradual shift of charter flights to Mopa and the lack of new international carriers at Dabolim. “We were assured that not a single flight would be allowed to shift from Dabolim to Mopa. Yet even charters have started moving. Has the government studied how this is affecting economic activity?” he asked.
Lobo also demanded to know whether a feasibility study had been conducted before allowing both airports to function simultaneously in a small state like Goa. Citing reports that Air India had cancelled its Goa–London route, he said such disruptions were causing panic among travellers and could hurt tourism.
Responding to the concerns, Sawant said the government wants both Dabolim and Mopa airports to operate smoothly. “We are committed to developing both as important gateways for Goa’s tourism and economic growth,” he said.
He highlighted that the User Development Fee (UDF), Aviation Security Fee, and Landing Fees at Dabolim have been reduced by nearly 50%, with incentives now extended to both summer and winter schedules to support airline operations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the House that the total number of flights, both domestic and international, arriving in Goa has doubled since the commissioning of Manohar International Airport. “Earlier, Dabolim Airport handled around 50–52 flights daily. Now, a similar number of flights operate from Manohar International Airport, effectively doubling the flight traffic,” he said.
On Mopa’s performance, the Chief Minister said the new airport is now handling 90–100 additional flights daily and has already generated Rs 65.88 cr in revenue.
Despite challenges, Sawant reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring balanced growth. “Both airports are important for the state. We are actively working to attract more airlines to Dabolim and ensure both facilities thrive,” he said.
