A fresh political debate has erupted in Goa over the future of Dabolim International Airport, with opposition parties raising concerns about a possible shutdown while the ruling BJP has denied any such move. The controversy gained traction after multiple letters written by BJP minister and Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho to Union ministries surfaced.
The correspondence, sent between 2025 and February 2026 to the ministries of civil aviation, tourism and defence, sought continued commercial operations at Dabolim airport. In his letters, Godinho highlighted fears among stakeholders, particularly the hotel industry, airport workers and those dependent on the facility for their livelihood. He stressed the airport’s strategic location, economic importance and the need for joint civil-military operations using flexible airspace.
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Opposition leaders from Goa Forward, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have claimed that commercial operations could eventually be curtailed, possibly after the 2027 state elections. The BJP, however, maintains that there are no plans to shut the airport.
With conflicting claims and growing public concern, the future operational status of Dabolim airport remains under close watch.
