Team Goemkarponn
DABOLIM/MOPA: Goa’s international air connectivity has witnessed a significant setback, with passenger traffic at both its airports falling sharply during the April-June quarter. Dabolim recorded a 69 per cent decline in international passengers, while traffic at Manohar International Airport in Mopa dropped by 42 per cent.
The figures, based on the latest data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), stand in stark contrast to the national picture. International passenger traffic across Indian airports declined by approximately 10 per cent during the first quarter of the financial year.
The downturn has been particularly pronounced for Indian airlines. Passenger numbers carried by domestic carriers on international routes dropped 27 per cent year-on-year, whereas foreign airlines saw their international passenger traffic rise by around 6 per cent. This resulted in Indian carriers’ share of international traffic falling from 46 per cent to 37 per cent.
Goa’s performance is considerably weaker than that of several major aviation markets. While smaller airports can experience substantial percentage swings following the withdrawal or reduction of a handful of flights, the scale of the decline at both Goan airports has drawn attention to the state’s overseas connectivity.
Other Tier-2 aviation centres, including Surat, Chandigarh, Indore, Kannur and Pune, also reported significant reductions in international passenger numbers.
The decline is particularly noteworthy because April to June is traditionally a strong travel period, supported by school holidays and increased leisure movement. A contraction during this period could therefore have wider implications for airlines, airports and tourism-dependent destinations.
Airline-wise, the performance has varied considerably. Akasa Air was among the few Indian carriers to register growth, recording a 26 per cent rise in international passengers. IndiGo, meanwhile, saw a 15 per cent decline. Air India Express and SpiceJet experienced much steeper reductions of 51 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.
The scaling back of Air India Express operations has been particularly relevant to international connectivity, given the airline’s extensive network linking Indian cities with destinations in the Gulf. Disruptions arising from the West Asia conflict, along with higher fuel costs and operational challenges, have contributed to reductions in available capacity.
The impact has been relatively moderate at several of the country’s largest airports. Kolkata recorded growth in international traffic, while Delhi remained largely unchanged. Bengaluru registered a 3.9 per cent decline, Mumbai fell 5.3 per cent, Chennai 7.9 per cent and Hyderabad 10 per cent.
For Goa, however, the situation presents a more immediate concern because the state’s tourism economy depends heavily on reliable air links with overseas markets. A sustained reduction in international flights could influence tourist arrivals, hotel occupancy, transport services and other businesses dependent on foreign visitors.
The figures also put renewed focus on the need to strengthen international operations from both Dabolim and Mopa. Maintaining a diverse network of overseas destinations could be crucial for Goa as it competes with other tourism markets for international travellers.
With Dabolim registering a 69 per cent drop and Mopa a 42 per cent decline, Goa has experienced a far sharper contraction than the national average. The latest data therefore raises questions about the resilience of the state’s international aviation network and its potential impact on the tourism sector.
