Once again we are faced with the conundrum involving Dabolim and Mopa Airports. Does Goa really require two airports? Who is it really going to benefit? What is the impact – socially, environmentally and economically – of having two airports? These are questions debated over and over again with no resolution insight.
Let’s go over the issue again. The Navy occupies land that was meant for a civilian airport. No one disputes the value of a naval base and the immense need of having one or the protection it offers to its country. However, the larger issue of the civilian airport and the facilities enjoyed by the Navy staff and their families must be evaluated. Should the naval residential quarters be located within an aerodrome? Is there a need for recreational facilities on airport land? Can these not be moved elsewhere and the land be used to upgrade airport infrastructure? It might be cheaper than creating a whole new infrastructure at MOPA and causing environment damage in addition to displacing native populations.
Much has been said about the infrastructure at Dabolim not being sufficient for current tourism numbers. This is a myth given that the new terminal building is able to sufficiently cater to current traffic numbers and more. There has also been an increase in parking bays and taxiways created which has eased the congestion of flights at Dabolim. If the curfew between 0830 and 1300 hours is lifted (5 days a week) we could actually see an increase in number of flights to and from Goa at more convenient timings with better connectivity to the rest of India and abroad through other major hubs.
Can the naval fighter base be shifted elsewhere? Especially the training sorties which should not be done at a civilian airport. It is a major threat to civilians as well as risk of closure of the airport should there be an incident and / or accident. Apart from that, AAI which manages the airport and believe they are the owners actually earn a handsome profit through 36% royalty on gross turnover. Who pays for it? Of course the tax payer and the traveller. Who is the biggest loser? The government of Goa who do not receive a share of the revenue.
Dabolim is ideally situated in the state of Goa as an airport location. It is equally convenient for people living in the North and South of Goa to use it. It is also strategically located next to the port making multimodal transportation of goods very convenient especially if there is a will to develop it. One area we need to immediately focus on is providing better transportation options for travellers to and from the airport. The taxi mafia has made a mockery of all Goans by overcharging passengers. This is the first experience a visitor has on landing into Goa and sets the standard for the rest of his/her stay. Just like we upgraded the terminal building to provide a much better experience at the airport, can the government not tackle this taxi mafia who are bringing disrepute to Goa and Goans?
Dabolim as mentioned is perfectly located close to the port and if this is developed carefully can be poised for major revenue generation in the coming years. One of the only natural harbours in the country, the Mormugao port operates 365 days a year and is probably one of the best arguments to present in favour of the Dabolim airport with reference to Cargo. Goa can capitalize on air cargo and increase the connectivity between sea, air and surface. However, it will all depend on how the surface transport is being managed as the airport access and road network is in shambles. Cargo capacity can be boosted to international standards with perishables facilities (cold storages) and 24/7 customs personnel being available at the airport.
Instead of now recreating infrastructure we do not need at MOPA, the government would do well to invest a bit more in Dabolim and fix the issues which currently hamper it from becoming the best it can be.
Now let’s come to Mopa. Do we really need a second airport at the far North of the state? Is it going to be the only one? If yes, then imagine the struggle to get there by those who live in South Goa. If there are going to be two airports, will airlines split operations and provide services to both? These are questions left unanswered. In any case if it comes up, most likely the airport will serve Maharashtra and the South Goa traffic might move to Karnataka.
There are many self proclaimed experts who insist that Goa needs two airports when there are international studies by reputed organisations that have said otherwise. I would like to understand the basis for Kapil Kaul’s (CAPA in India) advocacy for the second airport? Comprehensive passenger traffic data based on IATA says that the Goa Airport can handle total passenger numbers of 2850 an hour operating at 18 hours for 5 days and 24 hours during weekends (Saturday & Sunday). This clearly shows that if we were to consider full capacity operations without restrictions, an even higher passenger traffic than the predicted 5million can be handled. Where is the question of the airport being currently exhausted? Do we expect a sudden influx of 10,000 passengers per hour?
Saying Goa like the United States of America can have airports in different parts is far from reality. Just because there is an airport in the South of Goa we cannot think we want have one in the North Goa as well. The population statistics and sustainability should first be worked on. USA has a sound economy, unfortunately Goa cannot compete with that.
Airport infrastructure plays a very important role in the economy of the state especially one like ours which depends on tourism. However we need to be smart about it and not waste public money just because it is fashionable. If Goa truly requires a second airport like London, New York, Paris, etc we should definitely go for one. But I reckon we should instead invest in learning how Lisbon, Cairo, Colombo and for that matter closer to home Mumbai and Delhi manage their traffic and find ways to efficiently and optimally use current infrastructure which is used for civilian and navy operations.
Vito Gomes is the Founder & Managing Director, Aviation Services Management
