PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday assured the House that Dabolim Airport will not be closed or become a ghost airport.
Replying to a calling attention motion tabled by MLAs Vijai Sardesai, Carlos Alvares Ferreira, Yuri Alemao, and others, Sawant stated, “The need for a second airport arose after traffic at Dabolim Airport increased, leading to the establishment of Manohar International Airport. I want to assure you that Dabolim Airport will not become a ghost airport. The government will make a 100 percent effort to ensure this.”
He added, “It was a cabinet decision of the Union Government that efforts would be made to keep both airports operational. Dabolim Airport is a Navy airport, which restricts aircraft landings between 9 am and 12 pm— peak hours. The User Development Fee and parking fees at Dabolim Airport are higher than those at Manohar International Airport, Mopa. I will meet with the Civil Aviation Minister to request a reduction in these fees. I will also ask the Minister to introduce a dual traffic management system after conducting a study.”
The Chief Minister mentioned that the State government would request the Union government to consider providing visas on arrival to international tourists visiting Goa.
“Goa is an international destination, attracting visitors from various countries on chartered flights. The government has no intention of closing down Dabolim International Airport,” Sawant said.
He emphasised that even with the expansion limitations at Manohar International Airport, the significance of Dabolim Airport cannot be undermined. It will continue to be a crucial facility for the development of tourism in Goa.
Sawant also noted that the State government is aware of the proposed expansion plan for Goa International Airport at Dabolim for the next 10 years, starting from the financial year 2024-25.
The plan includes the acquisition of approximately 8.3 acres of land from the Indian Navy to enhance the terminal building and related airside infrastructure.