Team Herald
PANJIM: In a major blow to continuation of Dabolim as international airport, the Middle East-based carrier Oman Air has officially announced its plans to shift flights from Dabolim to the newly constructed Greenfield International Airport at Mopa.
The government said it will ensure that both the airports are put to “optimum” use.
The airlines in a communication released to its frequent fliers said that all Oman Air flights arriving and departing from Goa will operate from new Mopa International Airport from January 1, 2023.
“Dear Guest, beginning 1 January 2023, all Oman Air Flights arriving to and departing from Goa will operate out of the new Mopa International Airport (GOX). Oman Air flights will no longer operate from Goa International Airport (GOI),” states the message.
From January, Oman Air is expected to operate four weekly flights from Goa to Muscat using a 162-seater Boeing 737-800.
The Mopa international airport is expected to be inaugurated in December by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Responding to the development, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said a meeting would be convened shortly to plan the division of flights between Mopa and Dabolim airports.
Earlier this week, Sawant had said that the government may think of division of flights and in case international flights move towards Mopa, then the domestic flights will arrive at Dabolim Airport.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said the government will not shut down Dabolim airport once Mopa commences operations.
“Oman Airline is just one airline. There are many which will operate from Dabolim also,” he said.
Godinho said in the meeting, government will work out best methodology to ensure that there is optimum utilisation of both the airports.
When contacted, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President Nilesh Shah felt that international flights operating from Mopa is a very good and positive sign. However, he felt that with increase in air traffic, Goa will be in need of both the airports.
“It is good move that international flights are starting from Mopa. It is a positive move as customers will get better service and facilities. Airlines will have more parking spaces, landing facilities, better parking fees and other facilities where they can attract more customers too. There is no lounge facility at Dabolim which the international customers look forward. As per our information, domestic flights will fly from both and I think Goa will have so much air traffic that it will be in need of both the airports,” he said.
