Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Advocating a dual airport model for Goa’s sustained growth, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and MLA Jit Arolkar on Thursday stressed that both Dabolim and Manohar International Airport, Mopa, must function in coordination to strengthen connectivity, tourism and the State’s economy.
Addressing the media, the leaders maintained that the two airports serve distinct tourism segments and should complement each other rather than compete.
“Both the airports are extremely important for the State. If I speak as a common Goan and not merely as an MLA, South Goa and North Goa cater to very different kinds of tourists,” said MLA Jit Arolkar.
“In South Goa, we largely receive high-end foreign tourists who prefer premium five-star resorts and traditionally use Dabolim Airport. North Goa attracts visitors looking for nightlife, music and parties, and many of them prefer Mopa. It is therefore essential that both airports remain fully functional,” he said.
Arolkar also pointed out that a large number of people from South Goa work in Gulf and European countries and prefer flying into Dabolim. “Both airports are crucial not only for tourism but also for taxi operators and several allied services. If either airport shuts down, it will have a cascading effect on employment and related sectors,” he added.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said he had met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to secure continued operations at Dabolim in the interest of tourism.
“We have sufficient air traffic for both airports to operate hand in hand. There is enough scope for both to survive and grow. I have been gathering information from all quarters to check if there is any pressure or lobbying against Dabolim Airport,” Godinho said.
He stated that assurances have been received that Dabolim Airport will not be closed. “We have also requested the removal of the existing NOTAM restrictions at Dabolim between 8.30 am and 12.30 pm and for one hour in the evening. If these restrictions are eased, both airports can function smoothly and air traffic will increase,” he said.
Citing examples from other states, Godinho noted, “In several states, civilian and defence aircraft operate on separate flight paths without any incidents. With modern technology and advanced landing systems, such coordination is entirely feasible.”
Alleging pressure from vested interests, the minister said, “Earlier, GMR was lobbying strongly against Dabolim Airport. Now they are trying to use the Navy to push the argument that the airport is needed exclusively for defence. We respect the defence forces and their presence in Goa, but when they themselves have not asked for civilian operations to stop, it is wrong to create such a narrative.”
“As long as there are people with the right mindset, no one will demand that Dabolim Airport be shut. We will not allow that to happen,” Godinho asserted.
