The recent statement by South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes regarding the possible takeover of Dabolim Airport by the Indian Navy has once again brought into focus the delicate balance between national security and regional necessity. While the Goa government has reiterated that civil aviation operations at Dabolim will continue, concerns among Goans remain palpable. Dabolim Airport is not merely an airstrip. It is the lifeline of Goa. Although the commissioning of the civilian airport at Manohar International Airport at Mopa has eased some pressure, Dabolim continues to play a crucial role, especially for South Goa.
At the same time, it must be acknowledged that Dabolim is, and has always been, a naval air base, INS Hansa, operated by the Indian Navy. Its proximity to INS Kadamba, home to the ambitious Project Seabird at Karwar, underscores its importance in safeguarding the Arabian Sea corridor. Following Operation Sindoor, which has reportedly led to a reassessment of coastal defence preparedness, it is only natural that the Centre would prioritise military readiness. If the Ministry of Defence determines that expanded naval control over Dabolim is strategically essential, the state government would have limited scope to override such a decision.
National security, after all, remains paramount. There is a growing fear that, rather than an abrupt closure, civil operations might be gradually curtailed by way of slot reductions, restricted timings, or regulatory constraints that can make civilian usage increasingly impractical over time. This is why it would be prudent for the Goa government to seek a clear, unequivocal statement from the Centre as to whether civil operations at Dabolim will continue alongside naval operations. Transparency will prevent speculation and reassure the public. With foresight and clarity from the Centre, Dabolim can continue to serve both the nation’s strategic interests and the everyday needs of Goans.
