“Dabolim has several natural advantages. Its proximity to South Goa, Panaji and major commercial and tourism centres makes it convenient for a large section of passengers. It has also been part of Goa’s aviation ecosystem for decades. Airlines, taxi operators, hotels, businesses and thousands of workers have built their livelihoods around its operations.
The arrival of Mopa changed the aviation landscape, but it did not erase the demand for Dabolim. If anything, the continued traffic at Dabolim indicates that Goa has enough passenger movement to support a dual airport system, provided the government and airport authorities plan connectivity intelligently.
The proposed winter boost is therefore significant. Aeroflot is expected to add 10 flights, bringing additional international connectivity during one of the most important tourism periods for Goa. “
For years, the future of Dabolim Airport has been discussed as if the growth of Mopa must automatically mean the decline of Dabolim. That is a narrow way of looking at Goa’s aviation needs. The latest numbers coming from Dabolim suggest that the airport continues to have a role to play, and its progress should be seen as good news for the state.
Dabolim is currently handling around 85 flights and nearly 13,000 passengers a day, according to airport director Lt Akash Deep. The airport is also generating an annual profit of around Rs 135 crore. These are not insignificant numbers. They demonstrate that Dabolim continues to have substantial passenger demand and economic relevance even after the opening of Goa’s second airport.
The argument should therefore not be about Dabolim versus Mopa. Goa needs both airports to function efficiently.
Dabolim has several natural advantages. Its proximity to South Goa, Panaji and major commercial and tourism centres makes it convenient for a large section of passengers. It has also been part of Goa’s aviation ecosystem for decades. Airlines, taxi operators, hotels, businesses and thousands of workers have built their livelihoods around its operations.
The arrival of Mopa changed the aviation landscape, but it did not erase the demand for Dabolim. If anything, the continued traffic at Dabolim indicates that Goa has enough passenger movement to support a dual airport system, provided the government and airport authorities plan connectivity intelligently.
The proposed winter boost is therefore significant. Aeroflot is expected to add 10 flights, bringing additional international connectivity during one of the most important tourism periods for Goa. The possibility of Fly91 commencing operations from Dabolim is another development worth watching. If the regional airline begins operations, it could further strengthen Dabolim’s role in domestic connectivity.
But numbers alone should not become a reason for complacency.
The real challenge is to ensure that Dabolim remains competitive, passenger friendly and well connected. Infrastructure has to keep pace with demand. Roads leading to the airport must be maintained properly. Public transport connectivity needs improvement. Parking, passenger movement, taxi services and last mile connectivity must remain priorities.
There is also a larger question for Goa. What exactly should the state’s airport strategy be?
The answer cannot be to allow one airport to grow at the expense of another without considering the consequences for passengers, tourism and the local economy. A well planned dual airport system can distribute traffic, create more connectivity and give airlines greater flexibility. It can also provide resilience when one airport faces operational constraints.
Dabolim’s performance also sends an important message to policymakers. Existing public infrastructure should not be allowed to become redundant simply because newer infrastructure has arrived. If an airport is handling thousands of passengers every day and generating substantial revenue, the focus should be on making it more efficient and ensuring that its potential is fully utilised.
Goa has spent decades building its tourism economy. Connectivity is one of its strongest pillars. More flights mean more visitors, greater business opportunities and easier movement for Goans travelling outside the state. Competition between airports should ultimately benefit the passenger, not become a political or administrative contest.
Dabolim has served Goa for generations. Its continued passenger traffic, profitability and prospects for additional connectivity show that its story is far from over.
Mopa may be the new chapter in Goa’s aviation story. Dabolim remains an important part of the same story.
Goa should not be choosing between the two. Goa should be making both work.
That is not only good for Dabolim. It is good for Goa.
