VASCO: Air Arabia is likely to shift its operations from Goa International Airport, Dabolim, to Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
If Air Arabia shifts its operation to Mopa, this will mark the sixth international airline to transfer its base from Dabolim to Mopa, joining the airlines like Air India, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Aeroflot and TUI.
Though Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho have repeatedly made assurances that the Dabolim airport will continue its operations, concerns are mounting among Dabolim stakeholders, including taxi operators and local businesses, about the airport’s future viability.
Recently, the number of flights arriving at Dabolim Airport has declined significantly. As per the sources, Air Arabia is likely to shift its operations to Mopa Airport at the end of October, bookings for which are available online. However, the airline is yet to make any official announcement.
A source said that the decision to shift operations from one airport to another depends entirely on the operator.
A travel agent pointed out that Dabolim airport is left with only a few services from Air India and Gulf Air.
According to a travel agent, Air Arabia flights are listed as operational from Dabolim until October 29, 2024, after which they are scheduled from Mopa.
