PANJIM: Alleging that the ‘doubled standard’ BJP government has started showing its colour by hatching conspiracy to shut Dabolim airport for civilians which will kill economy of South Goa district, the Opposition parties have warned that they will not allow to shut Dabolim international airport for civilians following many airlines shifting its operations to Mopa international airport.
The Congress said that it would agitate and support the people of South Goa to retain Dabolim airport, which is income source for poor and middle class people.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said, “One after the other, Airlines are shifting to Mopa and government remains a silent spectator. Is this the part of larger conspiracy to convert Dabolim into air cargo terminal for aerial coal transportation? Will Chief Minister Pramod Sawant speak?”
Yuri urged the Chief Minister to take pro-active steps to ensure Dabolim airport continues. The government should come out with a comprehensive action plan to ensure that Dabolim airport continues, he added.
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and MLA Vijai Sardesai said that one by one, both domestic and international airlines are packing their bags and shifting to Mopa. The growing concern of South Goa passengers is real and justified, it said demanding that the Chief Minister must clarify why airlines are abandoning Dabolim despite his word to the people of Goa that he won’t allow it to happen.
Congress leader Elvis Gomes alleged that there was pressure on Qatar Airways to move out of Dabolim airport and shift operations to Mopa airport.
He alleged that the government is out to destroy the Dabolim airport by putting pressure on airline operators. Dabolim is a public sector airport while Mopa is a private sector airport and the government is stressing more for the benefit of the private sector.
