PORVORIM: The Opposition warning that Dabolim would become a ghost airport demanded that the govt put in place an aggressive marketing strategy, reduce parking and landing fees and cut VAT on fuel.
Vijai Sardesai said Dabolim drawing 57% of the air traffic as claimed by Chief Minister was wrong. He demanded a Dual Airport Management Plan. Yuri Alemao said after the amendment to the Civil Aviation Act airline operators are free and can do whatever they want. They could not be controlled either by the Centre or the State govt.
Ruling members Nilesh Cabral, Michael Lobo and Digambar Kamat too affirmed that Dabolim should not be allowed to close at any cost.
CM said he would work on reducing parking and landing fees by meeting the Union Civil Aviation Minister. He said VAT had been reduced but was recently increased. He assured that Dabolim would not close, now or in future.
