PORVORIM: Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao on Monday warned that Dabolim Airport is on life support and risks becoming a “ghost airport” in the near future.
Speaking on a Calling Attention motion, Alemao referred to a reply given in the Lok Sabha to South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes. He stated, “With the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994, Indian aviation has been totally deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type and choose whichever markets and networks they wish to service, subject to compliance with route dispersal guidelines (RDGs) issued by the government and approval of the schedule by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Airlines can go wherever they want – you cannot stop them, nor can the Central government. We need a marketing strategy and must offer incentives to attract them. Right now, it’s expensive—tickets are expensive.”
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai refuted the government’s claim that Dabolim Airport is performing at optimum capacity, with 57 percent of Goa’s air traffic. He said, “If the share is 57 percent, then where is the fear and anxiety?”
Referring to a report submitted by Mopa Airport to its lenders, Sardesai outlined the projected domestic and international market shares: “In the financial year 2024-25, domestic market share is 46 percent and international 80 percent; in 2025-26, it will be 50 percent and 90 percent; in 2026-27, 55 percent and 90 percent; in 2027-28, 60 percent and 95 percent; and in 2028-29, 60 percent and 95 percent.”
Sardesai cited the example of Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, where the government had invested Rs 3,000 crore, but the airport was shut down after GMR, which runs Manohar International Airport in Mopa, took over Shamshabad Airport in Hyderabad in 2008. The Begumpet Airport was handed over to the Indian Air Force in 2015. He also questioned why flights are being diverted to Bengaluru instead of Dabolim Airport.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa voiced concerns about the impact on South Goa, stating, “We are not against Mopa Airport, but we are concerned about South Goa. Group landing was stopped in 2014. The government should consider providing visas on arrival to international tourists, especially those from Russia. Small hotels will die if the airport is closed.”
Venzy Viegas suggested that the government should convene a meeting with all operators to understand their needs and ensure continued operations at both airports.