VASCO: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has asserted that Dabolim airport will not be closed once Mopa airport becomes operational; instead, the two airports will operate simultaneously to handle the increasing flow of tourists.
He also informed that the first phase of Mopa airport project will be completed by 2019-20.
He was speaking to reporters after launching a WiFi facility for passengers at Dabolim airport on Saturday.
He stated, “It’s a fact that tourist arrivals in Goa via Dabolim airport is increasing. Even the tourist season, which was earlier limited to three – four months, has been extended to 6 to 8 months. Now it is seen that tourists are visiting the State almost round the year. Considering this, the facilities obviously need to be increased, and my government is trying its best to create them. Mopa airport is one such facility required to handle the increasing tourist flow. But no one should have any doubt that Dabolim won’t be shut; Dabolim and Mopa will operate simultaneously.”
He added, “The need for a second airport is due to the limitations of Dabolim airport. Many things cannot be taken care of at Dabolim, like cargo and parking, which will be taken care of at Mopa. The first phase of Mopa will be completed by 2019-20, till that time, Dabolim has to manage. Once the first phase is completed, Mopa airport will be able to handle 4 to 5 million passengers annually, while Dabolim will manage 5 6 million passengers.”
