VASCO: Dabolim Airport Director BCH Negi on Sunday informed that current years’ passenger growth is quite disappointing as there is only approx 7 % overall growth in passenger traffic as compared to last financial year when it was approximately 25%. He said that negligible passenger growth is a big cause for concern.
“The negligible passenger growth (7 percent this year) is a big cause of concern for all of us. Airport Authority of India (AAI) is trying its level best to bring more airlines to start operations at Goa airport. Goa airport is marketed by AAI Team from Corporate Headquarters at international forums like World Routes Conference every year by projecting Goa’s Tourism potential to various countries/ airlines to start more international operations at Goa airport,” Negi said.
He however also assured that AAI will continue with its commitment to provide more such passenger facilities at par with those available at other international airports for the benefit and convenience of tourists/passengers travelling through Goa’s only airport.
“As part of our commitment we are spending almost Rs 16 crore on carrying out modifications in the existing terminal building to address the existing shortcomings and constraints. These modifications are going to be a big challenge for AAI team at Goa as we have to carry out work in a terminal building where passenger movement has to be accommodated together with the modification works. Besides that ongoing Parallel Taxiway and three additional aircraft parking bays, AAI Goa will be able to accommodate more aircraft,” Negi said.
“Taxiway and additional aircraft parking bays will significantly improve aircraft handling capacity and reduce flight delays on ground and in the air by avoiding holding on ground/air and the resulting un-necessary fuel burn. Also with all these passenger friendly initiatives including extension of existing terminal building to add another 2 million annual passenger handling capacity, three additional parking bays, In Line X-ray baggage system (to be operational by end of 2018), self check in kiosks (existing-1, additional-15), deployment of more staff at airport, AAI will transform Goa Airport as promised, despite the challenges and constraints that exist,” Negi said.
