Team Goemkarponn
DABOLIM: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Wednesday outlined a series of measures taken to ensure smooth passenger movement at Goa International Airport, Dabolim, amid continued disruptions caused by IndiGo’s operational crisis. The briefing was given at a Wednesday evening press conference addressed by Officiating Airport Director Laxmi G.S., along with CISF Deputy Commandant Rohan Pawar and Chief Security Officer Vipin Srivastava.
Speaking to reporters, Airport Director Laxmi G.S. said that the airport, in coordination with all stakeholders, had activated multiple layers of facilitation to prevent congestion and ensure seamless operations. “We have deployed additional manpower at all touch points, opened extra check-in counters, strengthened queue management and coordinated closely with CISF, Goa Police and Traffic Police for smooth city-side movement,” she said.
Laxmi added that an additional ticketing counter for IndiGo had been allotted to assist passengers arriving for rescheduling and refunds, while traffic police were stationed for lane management. “CISF and Goa Police QRT teams are on ground for surveillance. Swing operations are enabled wherever possible, and Digi Buddies are facilitating passengers at entry gates,” she said.
Highlighting passenger-centric steps, the Airport Director said washrooms, baby-care rooms, seating areas, kids’ zones and housekeeping teams were being continuously monitored. “We are ensuring timely trolley retrieval, availability of wheelchairs, drinking water, first-aid supplies, napkins, diapers, milk, refreshments and priority facilitation for senior citizens, pregnant women and PRM passengers,” she added.
To maintain transparency, AAI has also intensified information dissemination. “All FIDS screens are functioning and updated. Real-time information is being shared through our social media handles, and we’re coordinating with airlines for timely delay and cancellation updates along with refreshments for affected passengers,” Laxmi said.
She also confirmed that a 24×7 control room had been set up with representatives from airlines, CISF and state police. Help desks manned by AAI and IndiGo staff are operating at the city-side, departure hall and arrival counters. “Baggage delivery is prompt. Around 20–30 bags left over in arrivals are being cleared the same day. There is no congestion in the baggage areas,” she added.
Director Laxmi further noted that the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had reviewed the situation. “As per MoCA directives, the Director from MoCA visited the airport on December 9 to assess the arrangements. He appreciated the efforts of AAI, IndiGo, all airlines, CISF and the police for their proactiveness in managing the crisis,” she said.
Airport authorities confirmed that operations remain normal, with an average of seven planned cancellations per day. Since the cancellations are pre-notified, passengers are not arriving unnecessarily, preventing congestion. Those visiting the airport for ticket modifications are attended round-the-clock by airline staff and the Duty Terminal Manager.
CISF Dy Commandant Rohan Pawar and CSO Vipin Srivastava also assured that security arrangements and passenger facilitation will continue without compromise as airlines stabilise their schedules.
