VASCO: The ongoing expansion works of the new terminal building at the Dabolim international airport will be completed by June next year, which will allow the Airport Authority of India to cater to both - domestic and international flights separately, informed Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Friday.
Godinho informed this after inaugurating the renovated gents restroom facility at the Dabolim airport. Director of Goa Airport Dhanamjaya Rao and other officials were also present.
Godinho said that Dabolim airport is one of the most prestigious airport of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and rubbished claims by vested interests that it would close down.
Congratulating the Airport director and his team for bringing changes to increase the facilities and comfort to the passengers, the Minister said that facilities at the airport are being continuously upgraded to international standards including restrooms for passengers. Reacting to some airlines shifting their operations to the Mopa international airport, Godinho said, “Just because a few flights have moved to Mopa does not mean that Dabolim airport will close down and this is evident because the passenger footfall at Dabolim airport has not gone down at all.
Airport Director Dhanamjaya Rao said that there was no drop in business and that the Dabolim airport was being connected to new sectors. He said that after commissioning of the new terminal building, the domestic flights will then be able to handle more number of flights while the dedicated international terminal will allow more international flights connections even during peak areas. It will also help to increase slots for more international flights without any issues.